CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)

Contact person:
Phone: 0300 012 3000

CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)

This is in line with our vision for a fair and sustainable future for all. The fund offers flexible finance options designed to help your social organisation ease cashflow, develop new services or purchase assets – to grow your trading income which plays an important part in sustaining and scaling your social impact.

Our social investment fund is designed for social organisations that would find it hard to borrow from a mainstream lender or social bank.

CAF first pioneered social investment in 2002, through its Venturesome funds; using philanthropic capital to make social investments, donated by private and corporate clients, and other charitable foundations.   

We were one of the first social investors in the UK and for the last 20 years have been one of the most active.

The social investment team lends money to social purpose organisations and, as they repay us, we use the same money to make loans to other organisations looking for affordable and flexible finance to grow their impact. This means that one pot of money can benefit many causes and multiply the impact social purpose organisations make. 

At CAF, social investment recycles capital provided by our generous donors.
 

Our Funds

Our Funds

Venturesome Impact Fund

We want all purpose-driven organisations to be able to access affordable, flexible finance – particularly those who may not otherwise be able to access mainstream lending – so they can become stronger and more resilient. That’s why our fund is: Continuously open for applications Cause universal...

Case studies by investor

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Brains Matter

Brains Matter is a charitable social enterprise based in West Kent supporting adults who have been affected by brain injury, either as a result of an accident or illness such as a stroke, brain tumour or hemorrhage. It provides a community wellbeing service including bespoke one to one support and community wellbeing support groups offering a social opportunity to meet with others, gain support and access information and advice. It also provides an activity centre, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, offering a safe and friendly environment for those living with the effects of brain injury to spend time in a relaxed setting to socialise with others who may share similar experiences and to participate in stimulating and varied activities. 

Duration
6 years
Cost of capital
6.5%
Turnover
£203.6K
Amount invested
£150K (£105,000 unsecured loan / £45,000 grant)
Year of investment
2023
Investor
CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)
  • Product type
    Blended – part grant, part loan

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Inner City Music
Inner City Music

Inner City Music is an award-winning charity that exists to celebrate music and its power to engage, inspire and unify. 

Duration
5 Years
Cost of capital
6.5%
Turnover
£1,382,000
Amount invested
£300,000
Investor
CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)
  • Product type
    Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)

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Alternatives Activity Centre
Alternatives Activity Centre

Established in 1990, Alternatives Activity Centre (AAC) is a registered charity that provides support for adults with learning disabilities in the city of Derby, in the form of an activity-based day centre, a training shop (which offers training workshops as well placements within their own charity shop) and community support.

Duration
3 years
Cost of capital
6.5%
Turnover
£262,000
Amount invested
£75,000 (Loan) and £25,000 (Grant)
Investor
CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)
  • Product type
    Blended – part grant, part loan