At the Growth Impact Fund, we offer social purpose organisations (SPOs) the option of patient debt. In this blog, we’ll share why we think it’s a great alternative to traditional grant funding for your charity.

Protect Your Reserves by Taking on Patient Debt

The funding landscape for charities has changed a lot in the last few years. In the pandemic, 40% of charities were forced to dip into their reserves to cover the uncertainty they faced, and 60% saw a loss of income. Debt investment can help you protect your reserves, and unlike traditional grant funding, we won’t put in restrictions on how you spend your loan.

Patient Debt Can Help You Catalyse Your Digital Transformation

Many charities are also exploring digital service delivery, but there is not enough funding for this within the sector. Charities Digital Skills report, 41% of charities stated that their need for digital funding increased, compared to 33% the year before. If you need to modernise your organisation, patient debt is an excellent way for you to protect your reserves and invest in digital and technology.

40% of charities have recently dipped into their reserves, debt can be an opportunity to innovate your way out.

GIF’s Aim is to Support Your Mission

Unlike banks or traditional lenders, the Growth Impact Fund is run by UnLtd and Big Issue Invest, two socially aligned organisations. We know what it’s like to be impact-driven in your approach, and our values of social responsibility and impact are likely aligned with yours. As investors, it’s also in our best interest to invest in companies that are in the right financial position to receive debt investment. If we don’t think debt is for you, we will let you know. We have decades of experience in what works, and a robust due diligence process that’s collaborative, so you’ll be given feedback throughout the process.

We’ll Help Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Growth Impact Fund exists to tackle inequality and as part of that work we developed an EDI toolkit and built up expertise in the area. Many charities have not yet updated their processes around EDI, which leads to a disconnect between the organisation’s leadership and the people the charity works with. As EDI experts, we can help you on your journey towards a more equitable organisation.

We offer a package of support

Taking on any investment is a risk, but at the Growth Impact Fund, we’re committed to supporting you with more than money. All charities will have a dedicated portfolio manager, similar to an account manager, to guide you through the investment process. We’ll be on hand to answer any questions that you may have, and to help make sure that the investment is the right thing for you.

Interested in our patient debt offer? Have a read of the finer details or apply for investment today.