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

Prepared by the UK Social Investment Forum (UKSIF)

Charity Bank plans to double size to satisfy appetite for loan finance

Charity Bank has announced plans to more than double in size by 2012. This follows the announcement of its 2006 figures which showed a 50% increase in net lending over the past year to £16.4m. The figures also revealed an unprecedented increase in loan enquiries, topping £100m for the first time.

Futurebuilders England announces increased funding

The Futurebuilders fund has been increased by £25m, to £150m, which is managed on behalf of the Office of the Third Sector (OTS). Separately, the OTS has announced that it will be inviting bids to allocate the remaining £65m of the fund from April 2008 until March 2011.

cdfa celebrates five years at reception at House of Commons

The reception, Access to Finance - five years on, was hosted by Andy Love MP. Speakers included Stephen Timms MP and Sir Ronald Cohen. www.cdfa.org.uk

Opportunity International launches new branch of its bank in Ghana

HRH The Princess Royal opened the newest branch of Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. Opportunity International UK based in Oxford raises money to fund microfinance initiatives through Opportunity Banks and by providing finance for Trust Group co-operatives. The charity recently received an £8m donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Opportunity International reports that 97% of all loans it makes are paid in full.

Big Invest to launch social venture buyout fund

Big Invest, which is owned by the Big Issue Company, aims to raise £10 million to buy five private companies in order to transform them into social enterprises. To contact Big Invest click here

Slow Money scheme announced in the South West of England

The Slow Money scheme, led by Wessex Reinvestment Society, provides small community enterprises with a simpler way of accessing funds and provides local investors with an opportunity to invest locally.

Ecos Fund share subscription for sustainable building projects in South West

The Ecos Fund enables small investors to support the building of sustainable and zero carbon housing at a series of projects across the South West of England.

FSG publishes analysis of mission investing by US foundations

Compounding Impact: Mission Investing by US Foundations by FSG Social Impact Advisers analyses the mission investment activity of 92 US foundations with combined investments of $2.3 billion.

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