Blended Finance & Grant Support

Grant support, where it makes a real difference

At Big Issue Invest, loans are our primary form of finance for social enterprises and charities tackling poverty and inequality.

In some circumstances, we can also include a grant element as part of a blended finance package, alongside a loan. This page provides more detail on how that grant support works and when it may be appropriate.

Grant support is not a standalone product and is not available separately from our loans. Instead, it is used selectively to make borrowing more affordable for smaller organisations, where this supports long-term sustainability and impact.

When grants are available

Grant support is only offered alongside certain smaller loans, typically under £200,000. Where appropriate, a grant element of up to 10% of the overall funding package may be included. Each case is assessed individually, and grant support is used where it can make finance more affordable and can create the most impact for the most underserved communities.

Who grant support is for

Grant support is intended for smaller social enterprises and charities that are already trading and delivering impact, and for whom a blended approach can make borrowing more affordable.

By including a limited grant element as part of the overall funding package, the total amount of capital that needs to be repaid, and therefore the interest paid, is reduced. This helps organisations take on loans at a level that better reflects their income and capacity, without increasing financial pressure.

Our grant support is not designed for large or well-capitalised organisations, or for models that rely primarily on grant income to operate.

How grants and loans work together

With blended finance, the loan remains repayable and grant support does not replace the need for income to service the loan or remove the obligation to repay.

Instead, it helps reduce pressure in the early stages of a loan, supports investment that strengthens future income, and allows organisations to plan more confidently.

The focus is always on long-term sustainability. Grant support is there to help organisations stay on track, not to prop up models that aren’t financially viable.

Talking to us about loans and blended finance

Conversations about blended finance always start with a discussion about a loan. From there, we look at whether including a grant element is appropriate as part of the overall funding package.

If you’re exploring loan finance and want to understand whether blended finance could be relevant for your organisation, you can start a conversation with our team through our enquiry form.

FAQs

Is Big Issue Invest a grant-making organisation?
No. Big Issue Invest does not offer grants as a standalone product. Grant support is only provided as part of blended finance alongside certain loans, where it can reduce pressure and support long-term sustainability.

Which organisations can access grant support?
Grant support is intended for smaller charities and social enterprises that are already trading, delivering impact, and building financial resilience. Our grants are not for models that rely primarily on grant income to operate.

How does blended finance work in practice?
Blended finance combines a repayable loan with a limited grant element. The loan remains repayable, while the grant helps reduce pressure during early stages and supports investment that strengthens future income.

Do organisations apply separately for grant support?
No. There is no separate application for grant support. Conversations begin with a discussion about a loan, and blended finance is considered where it is appropriate as part of the overall funding package.