Communitybuilders Fund An introduction…

1. Communitybuilders Fund An introduction…

2. What is Communitybuilders? • Communitybuilders is a £70m investment fund which takes forward a commitment within the Communities in Control: real people, real power White Paper to build more cohesive, empowered and active communities. • Communitybuilders invests in the sustainability of multi-purpose, inclusive, community-led organisations (sometimes known as Community Anchors). • These organisations can be the platform to support empowered communities by: • providing a place for community activities to take place • providing and running local services • stimulating community involvement and enterprise • generating independent sources of income

3. What is Communitybuilders? • Communitybuilders will directly benefit around 300 organisations across England over the next two years with many more sharing the best practice lessons. • Communitybuilders offers loans, grants and business support. There are three different elements to the fund which are meant to meet the needs of organisations at different stages in their journey to sustainability. • Communitybuilders is a joint programme between CLG and the OTS • It is lead by the Social Investment Business, which is the new trading name for Adventure Capital Fund and Futurebuilders England, • And being delivered in partnership with The Community Alliance

4. How does the fund work? The Communitybuilders Fund will offer three investment options: Development package: • Bespoke business support based on an initial needs assessment and leadership grants of £2,000 for staff development and training. • Each investee will be assigned a Supporter who will lead them through an honest exploration of the health of the organisation; help develop foundations around governance, financial systems, and leadership as well as core functions. Feasibility package: • This will consist of further business support of up to 5 days and grants of up to £20,000 to use towards project development of a growth plan. Grants of up to £75,000 and 30 days of support will be available for larger projects. Investment packages: • This will be tailored for investees who are ready to develop, grow and expand their role within the community. Investment will consist primarily of loans between £50,000 and £2,000,000 offered at 5% for an initial three year period of a ten year loan term.

5. The eligibility criteria? In order to be eligible, an organisation must: • Be seeking to become more financially independent and less grant dependent through activities that have community relevance and social value • Be based and working in England • Operate for the benefit of a defined neighbourhood • Be locally controlled with local people or representatives of local groups making the spending, staffing and other decisions around priorities • Multi-purpose - providing or hosting a number of different activities and services • Work inclusively within their community, including marginalised groups • Show how they empower, or plan to empower, their community through multi-purpose community development and stimulating community led action • Have a track record of delivering to the community it is based in.

6. How to apply Make an initial enquiry: • Dedicated enquiry line – 0191 269 2278 • www.communitybuildersfund.org.uk includes eligibility checker. Come to one of our roadshows: • Derby 5th October • Birmingham 6th October Events include further information and surgeries Places can be booked on the Communitybuilders website If you have any further questions please contact me: Tim Judge Communitybuilders Programme Manager tim.judge@communitymatters.org.uk 020 7520 2788