Money that your organisation has in the bank as a result of making profits or generating surpluses.
Conventional finance – including high street banks – offers many of the same products available from social investors with the key difference being that the investors do not have a social motivation to their investment. Mainstream banks may also offer you an overdraft facility – an agreed amount of loan finance that is available to manage your cash flow when you need it.
Money paid to you to carry out a specific project (restricted grant) or to generally support your organisation’s work (unrestricted grant).
Financial support from people you know or who support you personally. For example, three friends/family members loan you £10,000 between them to get your organisation up and running.
Donations from lots of people who support what your organisation is doing, given in exchange for ‘rewards’ which can range from a thank you on your website, to merchandise such as branded bags and t-shirts, to the actual product you are raising money to develop.
Early-stage investment and support – including training and office space – for business ideas that have the potential to scale. Many social accelerators and incubators are focused on ‘Tech for Good’ businesses seeking to use digital technology to make a positive social impact.
