Project: On An Equal Footing – Social Investment for All
Grant: £34,700 

Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF) is a registered charity and community foundation that uses its influence and resources to mobilise local communities at all levels, from setting up a self-help group to building and developing successful social enterprises. LCF has access to a large number of donors, philanthropists and grant makers, who may provide cornerstone investment in social investment opportunities. LCF is building the foundation into a local access point for organisations seeking information and support on social investment.

The project will support women and women-led organisations within the community sector to access social investment opportunities, build exciting, innovative projects, and deliver outcomes for people that will generate social benefits. As part of the Access Reach Fund, LCF is working with around 20 social enterprises in its immediate pipeline, 70% of which are women-led. LCF will provide dedicated support to allow these enterprises to access social investment on an equal footing, and to empower them to take their ideas forward in a male dominated marketplace.

LCF is part of the UK Community Foundations pilot to explore how local philanthropic capital could be used to stimulate social enterprise.