A brief round-up of developments in the social investment world

Prepared by the UK Social Investment Forum (UKSIF)

Socialinvestments.com launches its ‘looking for capital’ service

The service is designed to help investors who find it difficult to identify interesting investment opportunities in the social business sector. Currently over 120 profit-seeking companies are listed on the site. Socialinvestment.com has also launched a Social Investor blog. www.socialinvestments.com

Scottish Investment Fund launched by the Scottish government

The £30m fund aims to build capacity in established third sector organisations operating in Scotland. www.scottishinvestmentfund.co.uk

Office of the Third Sector (OTS) seeks fund manager to invest risk capital

OTS published a request for proposals to establish one or more funds investing risk capital investment in social enterprises in England. OTS will commit up to £10m via funds or co-investment. www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector

Triodos poll finds that consumers look to ethical options in current crisis

The poll by GfK NOP surveyed attitudes towards banking in the current climate. 38% of respondents would consider a lower rate of interest if they knew that their money was being used in a socially and environmentally responsible way. www.triodos.co.uk

Young Foundation assesses the role of private equity in social investment

‘The Role of Private Equity in Social and Sustainable Development’, a report by Arbor Square and the Young Foundation, explores the role private equity and venture capital providers can play in social and sustainable development.  www.youngfoundation.org

CDFA launches Virtual Board Network

The Community Development Finance Association (cdfa) has launched the network to connect CDFI board members with their peers. www.cdfa.org.uk

If you require further information on these stories or have a social investment news item, please contact Adam Ognall, UKSIF Deputy Chief Executive, at adam.ognall@uksif.org.