CDFI Funding
Finding funding for your CDFI
The CDFA works to bring funding opportunities to our members. We have developed programmes to enable members to access Regional Growth Fund and Start-Up Loans funding and are working on future initiatives with a range of partners.
As part of CDFA’s commitment to support the CDFI sector, we are always looking for new opportunities for funding for our members. Details of future grant programmes will be posted here, and we will let members know via our membership newsletter service.
Current Funding Opportunities
Barclays Community Finance Fund,
Grants of up to £50,000 are available from a total fund of £200,000, to support existing or seedling community finance providers in supplying affordable credit for personal or business use. The deadline for initial applications is 11 April 2013.
RBS Inspiring Enterprise
RBS is running a series of funding rounds; grants are available for those supporting social, women and youth enterprises. It also runs a Microfinance fund, which provides loan finance for social enterprises. CDFIs can apply for loans of between £200,000 and £1m.
This fund is to enhance the capacity of non-bank micro-credit providers/micro-finance institutions; and help them to become sustainable and viable operators in the micro-credit market. It is being operated by EMN.
Big Local Trust
A fund operated by Community Development Foundation (CDF) has been set up to make investments (grants and loans) of up to £1.5mn, into around 150 areas, investments will span a 10 year period.
European Regional Development Fund (ongoing)
ERDF supports financial instruments (capital risk funds, local development funds, etc.) to support regional and local development and to foster cooperation between towns and regions
CDFI wholesale lending through Unity Trust Bank (ongoing)
Loans to enable Community Development Financial Institutions to gear up against their existing loan portfolio by providing matched funding via loan finance.
Esmee Fairbairn grants (ongoing)
Funding the charitable activities of organisations that have the ideas and ability to achieve change for the better. Interests include enabling disadvantaged people to participate fully in society.
Nominet Trust
Anyone considering the use of innovative digital technology to reach or support customers may be interested in the Nominet Trust Open Innovation funding programme. This aims to help those with a great idea about how to use digital technology to tackle a social challenge to develop it further.
