Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Continued support for EDI infrastructure operating in the social investment market

The Connect Fund is managed by the Barrow Cadbury Trust on behalf of Access – The Foundation for Social Investment. The Connect Fund was established as the social investment infrastructure fund. Its objective is to improve the social investment (SI) market in England by supporting and strengthening the infrastructure, so it can better meet the needs of charities and social enterprises. The Connect Fund has been set up to strengthen the social investment market in England to better meet the needs of charities and social enterprises. The fund provides grants to develop resources and infrastructure for a market that supports mission.

The Connect Fund will continue to provide grant funding to support infrastructure organisations and investment intermediaries to deliver projects that will lead to greater equality, diversity and inclusion on both the supply and demand side of the social investment market.

Key considerations: -We will fund projects that have a practical and tangible impact on the social investment sector. -Where possible, we will look to support projects that have the potential to address a market challenge at scale, rather than those that focus solely on small-scale interventions. -Where appropriate, we will prioritise applications from organisations that are led by under-represented groups, such as those that primarily serve Black and minoritised communities, disabled people, members of the LGBTQ+ community and women-led enterprises. Please note – applications to this funding strand will be considered on a rolling basis.

All Connect Fund applicants must meet all the following criteria: -Your organisation must be based in England. -Your organisation must be a social investment fund manager or advisor; membership body; sector, place-based, or equalities network; umbrella organisation; voluntary sector infrastructure organisation; or community foundation. -Your organisation must be incorporated and registered as a charity, social enterprise or have social purpose clearly incorporated into your articles of association with an appropriate asset lock and/or mission lock. -We welcome applications from organisations led by Black and minoritised communities, Disabled people, the LGBTQ+ community and women.