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

Prepared by UKSIF

First community-based forest project to seek public funding launched

The Cochabamba Project in Bolivia is now open to UK investors by means of an industrial and provident society. Profits from the sale of timber are shared equally between farmers and investors. Cochabamba is one of only three forestry projects to be accredited for CO2 credits through the Kyoto mechanism. www.cochabamba.coop

High Bickerton innovates for sustainable rural regeneration

The Devon village has set up its Community Land and Property Trust (CLPT) to sustain village life over 20 years. The CLPT, in partnership with Wessex Reinvestment Trust, will raise grants and loans for 17 mixed-tenure homes. www.communitylandtrust.org

Social Finance appoints its first CEO

David Hutchison, formerly Head of UK Investment Banking at Dresdner Kleinwort, has been appointed CEO of Social Finance. www.socialfinance.org.uk

Fair Finance’s Faisel Rahman named Young Global Leader

At The World Economic Forum annual meeting at Davos, Rahman was named as one of its Young Global Leaders 2009. www.weforum.org

NESTA and Office for Third Sector incentivise investment in social enterprise

The one-year, £90,000 facility is designed to give social enterprises help, through broker incentives, to access risk capital. www.nesta.org.uk

Government to consult on social investment wholesale bank

The consultation, announced in the Budget, will examine the design and function of the Bank whose aim would be to develop the social investment market by increasing the supply of finance. www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector

Money for Change campaign highlights role of CDFIs in recession

The Community Development Finance Association-led Action Plan sets out the steps needed to take the sector forward in its work with businesses and individuals in deprived communities. www.moneyforchange.org.uk

NEF calls for rebuilding financial sector through community finance

‘IOUK: banking failure and how to build a fit financial sector’ analyses the behaviour of the UK banking sector. It calls for government strategy to support community finance initiatives as they finance small businesses when banks are unable to lend. www.neweconomics.org

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.