Applications are now open for the Social Investment Gateway Programme, a free 12-month development programme designed for charities, social enterprises and community organisations across England that are considering social investment but are not yet investment ready.
Delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and supported by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, the programme helps organisations strengthen their trading activity, improve financial resilience and build the foundations required to access social investment in the future.
Participants benefit from tailored support over a year-long period, including diagnostic assessments, specialist advice, learning sessions, peer support and practical guidance from experienced advisers. The programme is designed to help organisations grow sustainable income streams, develop stronger business models and increase their confidence in managing investment and organisational growth.
A key feature of the programme is the opportunity to access additional financial support. Eligible organisations may receive a Match Trading™ grant of up to £18,000, rewarding growth in trading income, or a repayable grant of up to £24,000 to help invest in organisational development, capacity building and future growth.
The programme is particularly relevant for organisations looking to increase earned income, develop commercial services, expand their social enterprise activities or reduce reliance on traditional grant funding. It offers a structured route towards greater sustainability whilst helping organisations understand whether social investment is the right option for their future development.
The next cohort will run from March 2027 to February 2028, providing participants with a full year of support, learning and development.
Location: UK
Value: £18,000
Grant Deadline: 06-11-2026