New grants of up to £15,000 have been announced under the refreshed Reach Fund to support charities, social enterprises, and community organisations across England in becoming investment ready. The programme, run by Social Investment Business and funded by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, aims to help organisations move closer to securing social investment and scaling their impact.
The Reach Fund builds on eight years of previous support, during which more than 1,000 organisations received funding. Nearly 60% of past recipients successfully went on to raise investment after receiving grants, using the funding to strengthen business plans, improve financial forecasting, and access specialist consultancy support needed to meet final investment requirements.
Under the relaunched scheme, organisations can apply for flexible grants ranging from £5,000 to £15,000. These grants are intended for groups that are close to securing investment but need additional support to address final barriers, helping them build stronger and more sustainable business models.
The programme is also expanding its reach to include a wider and more diverse range of organisations across the social sector. Applications must be made through approved Access Point organisations, which are social investors that refer eligible groups to the fund. This structure is designed to ensure targeted support and better alignment with investment readiness needs.
Officials highlight that many charities and social enterprises struggle to access finance needed to strengthen resilience and achieve long-term sustainability. The Reach Fund is designed to bridge this gap by enabling organisations to become more financially independent and increase their social impact through investment.
An example of its impact is the Gasworks Docks Partnership, which used Reach Fund support to develop a stronger business model and secure over £3.3 million in investment. The funding helped transform Cody Dock into a self-sustaining community space with new facilities, including studios, an arts venue, and a café, while significantly reducing reliance on grants.
The relaunched programme also introduces a more streamlined application process, a user-friendly website, and improved coordination with Access Points to make it easier for organisations to apply and receive support. The initiative is intended to simplify access while maintaining effective guidance for applicants.
Social Investment Business leadership has described the fund as a crucial step in helping organisations unlock final-stage investment and build long-term resilience. With continued partnerships and expanded outreach, the programme aims to support even more social organisations in strengthening their impact and achieving financial sustainability.
