Scaling Social Organisations - funding application

The Universities of York and York St. John are seeking to establish new support, partnerships and learning opportunities for business support functions, the private sector and social organisations to learn from each other for the benefit of the City and region. Working with the Ford Family Foundation, we are now seeking to identify and support the scalability, growth and impact of social enterprises, not for profit businesses (NFPs) and Community Interest Companys (CICs) which provide help to those least well off and vulnerable in our society or those living in deprived areas.

Support and investment

The Foundation aims to provide grants and loans to multiple enterprises of up to £200,000.

Those qualifying for support will be able to call upon centralised support services from a shared resource pool covering finance, legal advice, HR. IT and marketing.

The aim is to provide the NFP, social enterprise or CIC with best in class outsourced administration services at cost and to remove the administration burden allowing them to concentrate on running their businesses.

These businesses can also utilise the mentoring skills of the trustees and management of the Foundation.

Selection criteria

To be eligible for this funding your organisation must be a social enterprise, not for profit business (NFPs) or Community Interest Company (CIC) based in York and North Yorkshire. University of York and York St John alumni in senior roles in these types of organisations in the UK are also eligible to apply.

1. Credible founder and team
2. Fit with the Foundation’s goals of providing help to those least well off and vulnerable in our society or those living in deprived areas
3. A sustainable business model
4. A business capable of demonstrating growth in revenues, outcomes, staff numbers and income streams

Pitching event

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a pitching event on Thursday 20 October 2022 in York to the team from the Foundation. A free coaching/preparation session will be arranged in advance of the event to support the development of high quality pitches.

The 3 minute pitch will be followed by a 3 minute Q&A session.

To apply for this funding, please complete the application by 5pm on Friday 7 October.

Complete the application form

Please note that we will not be able to provide feedback on applications. The final decision on which organisations pitch will be made by the Foundation.

Successful applicants

If your pitch is successful a due diligence process will be carried out which includes:

1. Submission of a detailed business plan
2. Detailed financial forecasts for three years.

These will be reviewed by a team at the Ford Family Foundation and following due diligence formal Heads of Terms will be issued and legal advisers instructed with a view to completing the investment within 60 days.