New Social Investment Grants to Boost Social Enterprise and Community Wealth Building
The Housing Executive has announced the launch of its new Social Investment Grants, a funding programme designed to strengthen social enterprises within Housing Executive communities.
The programme has a focus on three main priorities; Community Wealth Building, Social Value, and employment and apprenticeship opportunities across Housing Executive communities.
Connor Smith, Housing Executive Social Investments Manager explained:
“The awards support the delivery of our new Social Investment Strategic Plan: People, Place & Prosperity, which sets out a renewed commitment to supporting vibrant, economically active, and self sustaining communities.
“Since launching our first Social Enterprise Strategy in 2015, we have invested over £2 million in community based and social enterprise initiatives that have created 250 new jobs improved services, and helped create economically vibrant and self-sustaining communities.
"We have invested in a wide range of social enterprises involved in maintenance, community café’s, IT and tourism to mention a few.
“Social enterprises have and continue to play a vital role by delivering employment, skills development, and innovative local services and products in our communities.
"This latest round of investment builds on the success of previous funding rounds, focusing on Social Enterprise activity, Community Wealth Building, Social Value, Employment and Apprenticeships.”
The Social Investment Awards offer three levels of support for organisations at different stages of development:
Think It – Up to £5,000
For early stage or newly established organisations and social enterprises working in or serving Housing Executive communities. Projects should align with the priorities of the new Strategic Plan, particularly in areas such as social enterprise growth, community wealth building, social value, employability, and apprenticeships.
Boost It – Up to £10,000
For emerging organisations or social enterprises with ambitions to grow. These awards will support development and expansion that align with the programme’s core themes.
Grow It – Up to £35,000
For established organisations or social enterprises seeking significant growth or diversification. Funding may support innovation in fields such as social value, climate change, net zero initiatives, information technology, community wealth building, and employability or apprenticeship programmes.
Connor added:
“If you are thinking about establishing a social enterprise, growing or boosting an existing social enterprises then please get in contact with the team. Applications are now open and will close on 20th February.
"Members of organisations or existing social enterprises seeking further information or guidance can contact our Social Investment Team by emailing: