PLUS: LeapFrog reaches 5% of low-income population; philanthropists back maternal and child healthcare fund in Asia; BlueOrchard launches financial inclusion fund; and more.
Social Enterprise UK and Big Society Capital are among nine organisations promoting the Community Enterprise Growth Plan, a “once-in-a-decade opportunity” to accelerate growth of social enterprise in underserved communities.
The UK government this week confirms new dormant assets funding as outlined in its Levelling Up plans, as Access stresses importance of blended finance approach to reach poorest communities.
BSC says it wants to hit £15bn of social investment by 2025. Stephen Muers tells us why that means going beyond “small and fiddly” investments, why dormant assets cash may not be needed – and why recent criticism isn't a reason to change course.
Former investment banker Gareth Davies says UK wholesaler should broaden scope to ‘enhance profits’, one of many sweeping changes he proposes to boost social investment. But BSC says it’s already ‘picking winners’ while putting impact first.
NEWS ANALYSIS: Long snubbed in an impact investing market obsessed with returns, ‘blended finance’ has now proven its worth. But securing its survival could be Access’s most important role in the second half of its lifetime.
Conservative MP and civil society review author Danny Kruger highlights new funds that social enterprises should watch, adding that Treasury ministers are “very supportive” of social enterprise – but also “very distracted” right now.
How do you distribute £800m – announced recently as part of the planned expansion of the UK's Dormant Assets Scheme – for maximum social impact? Nick Temple, CEO of the Social Investment Business, has three suggestions.
Social enterprise leaders welcome new funds but warn that rolling out £800m Dormant Assets Scheme without careful planning would be a “massive mistake” – while shadow charities minister says policy is “scraping the barrel”.
