1. Use the Government’s Coronavirus Support Finder

There are various different types of support schemes available to employers and the self-employed. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants (whether your charity or social enterprise is open or closed). 

Ensure you are accessing Government funded Coronavirus support and aid - the easiest way to do this, and find out what is available to you, is by using the Coronavirus Support Finder tool. 

2. Explore the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme 

If you are exploring taking on finance through the dedicated Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which is Government guarantee backed, note that this scheme has been extended until March 31st 2020. 

The Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund is a dedicated CBILS facility offered by social investors. Find more more information here.  

3. Visit the Good Finance Covid-19 Resource Hub

Help is still at hand - last year the good Finance Covid-19 Resources Hub received over 90,000 visitors.

It’s packed full of useful information, and links to support, events and news. Access it here. 

4. Consider your social investment & emergency finance options 

Social investors are still open for business and those offering emergency finance can be found in the Good Finance investor directory - look out for the orange ! icon. 

If you are already in receipt of social investment, and you are not in regular contact with your investor, pick up the phone and talk to them. Social investors are aware that this is a very challenging time. Their priority above all, is to work collectively and with urgency to help where they can - so make sure you get in touch! 

If you need a little inspiration or motivation, listen to our podcast series ‘A Changing World’ to hear how other recipients of social investment have been navigating these times. 

5. When social investment isn’t the answer

Social investment is one of the tools in your toolkit – but it might not always be the right tool for the job. Alongside the Government support available, grants will also play a crucial role in supporting charities and social enterprises navigating a changing world during and after the Covid-19 crisis.

We spoke to Jo Heywood who started her working life as a social entrepreneur and has worked in a number of charities in fundraising roles. In this post, Jo shares with us her top 10 tips for fundraising during a crisis.

We hope you found this post helpful! Tweet us if you have any questions, and remember to explore our Covid-19 Resource Hub and Investor Directory for more information and support.