Deadline Date: July 17, 2026
The Social Investment Gateway Programme provides free 12-month support to charities, social enterprises and community organisations seeking to strengthen their trading models and become ready for social investment.
The programme focuses on strengthening trading activity, organisational development, investment readiness, market development, pricing and sales, financial strategy, developing systems, governance, demonstrating impact, and managing risk.
Led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), a national charity supporting social leaders and community organisations through learning, funding and support, the programme helps organisations prepare to apply for and manage social investment with confidence.
The opportunity is designed for organisations that have applied for or are planning to apply for social investment, usually within the next three years, and have a trading model with plans to grow over the coming year.
Eligible organisations should need additional support to become investment-ready and may require assistance in areas such as improving business systems, strengthening financial approaches, developing markets, and building organisational capacity.
Applicants should generally have an annual income above £100,000 and an active trading model. Organisations with a strong trading model that are below this income level may also discuss their suitability for the programme.
Participants can choose between two grant options. A Match Trading™ Grant of up to £18,000 is available to support growth and is drawn down over 12 months in five instalments as trading increases.
A repayable grant of up to £24,000 is also available, with an average grant of around £22,000. This pilot option aims to help organisations explore how repayable grants can support their journey towards social investment.
Both grant options are designed to help organisations invest in and grow their trading activity and can be used flexibly to support organisational development and future growth.
For more information, visit School for Social Entrepreneurs.
