CPCA Social Impact Investment Fund
Supporting Growth of Social Impact Organisations in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF) is a £2.375 million fund dedicated to supporting charities and social enterprises in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region. Funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and managed by Allia, this innovative programme provides capital grants and loans to social and third sector organisations.
What is the Social Impact Investment Fund?
The SIIF was created to bridge the gap between what social ventures need and what traditional finance offers. We understand that many impactful organisations struggle to access patient and flexible capital that prioritises their mission to deliver social value over financial returns.
The SIIF is here to change that. By offering grants and social loans, the SIIF provides tailored support that empowers social ventures to achieve both their social and financial objectives, while fostering community development and economic growth.
Our Objectives
Social Impact: To support organisations that create significant positive social outcomes
Financial Sustainability: To create a model for sustainable future social investment, particularly for those who cannot access traditional financial solutions
Good Growth: To stimulate economic and social development in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.
Funding Options Available
The SIIF offers three key funding instruments to help fund capital projects:
- Grants: Non-repayable funds of £10,000 – £25,000; Best suited for charities or early-stage social enterprises with high social impact potential.
- Social Loans: Affordable loans of £10,000 – £75,000; Best suited for growing social ventures who want to transition to more commercial forms of capital.
- Revenue Participation Agreements (RPAs): An innovative funding model where capital of £10,000 – £75,000 is provided in exchange for a share of future revenues over a period; Best suited for revenue-generating organisations looking to grow without the pressure of traditional debt.
Grants are well-suited for non-profits or early-stage social ventures, while loans and RPAs are designed to drive growth and instil financial discipline in early to mid-stage companies, positioning them for larger, more traditional forms of capital, such as debt and equity.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for any of the funding options under the Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF), your organisation must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Location: Your organisation must be based in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) region, including Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, and Cambridge.
Social Impact Mission: Your organisation should have a clear social impact mission and a commitment to creating positive social outcomes in the local community, especially in line with CPCA’s vision for the region, like reducing inequalities, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. The fund also looks to assist businesses that want to invest in reducing their carbon emissions, which could lead to business efficiencies.
Capital Use: The grant and loan funding must be used for capital projects that contribute to growth, development, or expansion of the organisation, such as new product development, entering new markets, or increasing operational capacity to serve more customers and beneficiaries.
Financial Viability: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and a realistic plan for sustainability.
Compliance: Organisations must comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and governance requirements, including subsidy control rules, as applicable.
How to Apply:
Expression of Interest: Submit an initial outline of your proposal and funding needs via our online platform.
Full Application: If eligible, you will be invited to complete a detailed application with supporting information.
Due Diligence: Selected organisations undergo a thorough review, including financial checks and interviews.
Approval and Funding: Approved applications will receive funding based on the agreed terms.
Monitoring and Reporting: Regular updates on financial performance and social impact will be required.
Ready to Make an Impact?!
Join us in driving social and economic growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
FAQs
Eligible organisations include registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), community-led projects, and social impact businesses with minimum 1 year of operations. Organisations must be based in CPCA region.
Yes, funds must be used for capital projects that contribute to the growth, development or expansion of the organisation. Some potential uses could be equipment purchase, developing new products, expanding infrastructure or entering new markets to increase operational capacity.
An RPA is a funding model where you receive capital in exchange for a percentage of your future revenue over a set period (usually 5 to 7 years), allowing flexibility in repayment.
Social loans are provided at affordable interest rates, with repayment terms aligned with CPCA guidelines and the organisation’s capacity to repay.
Proposals from charities or social ventures that have clear, measurable social impact outcomes and align with the fund’s objectives are eligible for grants.
The application process includes an initial expression of interest, followed by a full application, due diligence checks, approval, and funding.
Successful applicants will receive funding based on agreed terms and will be required to provide regular progress reports.
Patient capital refers to funding that allows for longer repayment periods without the immediate pressure of returns, giving social ventures time to grow and succeed.
Applications will be evaluated on social impact potential, financial health, management capability, and alignment with fund objectives.
An investment panel, including CPCA staff and experts, oversees all fund activities and makes the final decisions.
Still have questions?
If you’d like more information about the programme please get in touch with the team at hello@alliaimpact.co.uk or sign up to our newsletter to hear about future programmes
