Downloadable 35 page .pdf (418kb) document produced for the Finance Hub by NCVO Sustainable Funding Project, it provides a series of exercises and checklists designed to support advisers working with groups on procurement and contracting. It includes materials designed for those just starting to look at contracting (introductory), those ready to explore the topic further (intermediate), and for those wanting to look at contracting more seriously (advanced).

Downloadable 38 page .pdf (850kb) produced for the Finance Hub by NCVO Sustainable Funding Project. The guide introduces loans and other forms of finance, discusses the differences between key forms of finance, and provides guidance on how to assess their suitability. It also presents several short case studies of voluntary and community organisations using various forms of finance to develop their activities, and looks briefly at various finance providers. It includes checklists for advisers and groups to use.

Downloadable .pdf (176kb) designed for trustees considering loan finance for their organisation, or for those who just want to be better informed about the issues. It introduces the benefits, presents some factors that should be thought through, and signposts to further information.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ Sustainable Funding Project provides advice and information on loan finance, including signposting to sources of loan finance for the voluntary and community sector, and to finance institutions that specialise in community development finance.

Futurebuilders England is a government-backed fund offering support and investment to Third Sector organisations to deliver public services. It offers a combination of loans, grants and professional support to build the capacity of third sector organisations who want to deliver better public services.

Charity Bank is unique in being registered as a bank with the Financial Services Authority, and also as a charity with the Charity Commission.

One example of a charity specialist loan provider is Venturesome. Provided by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), it aims to bridge the gap between grants and loans for charities, with the aim of increasing the range of finance options available to the sector.

You can see a case study on how one organisation used a Venturesome loan to refurbish a conference centre.

The cdfa is the trade association for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are sustainable, independent financial institutions that provide capital and support to enable individuals or organisations to develop and create wealth in disadvantaged communities or under-served markets.

Community Development Finance Association (cdfa) members provide capital and support to individuals or organisations to develop and create wealth in disadvantaged communities or under-served markets. You can use their Find Finance online directories to find out if a member can help you.

ACRE manages the village hall loan fund on behalf of the Countryside Agency. The loan fund aims to provide assistance with:
building a new hall
acquiring a building and converting it into a village hall
capital improvements to existing halls (e.g. works to enable the provision of new uses or services, access and enhanced internal facilities for the disabled, or an extension to accommodate a clinic)
essential repair work and measures to increase energy efficiency.

The UK Social Investment Forum (UKSIF) promotes and encourages socially responsible investment in the UK. Socially responsible investment includes: ethical investment; green investment; shareholder activism; social banking; and community finance.