Grants

Money paid to you to carry out a specific project (restricted grant) or to generally support your organisation’s work (unrestricted grant).

When might I use it?

Grants have many purposes but, when considered as a possible alternative to social investment, they might be used for developing new business ideas, testing whether a product or service works, or helping to sustain a business activity that is socially useful but not profitable. Grants may also available to help your organisation to become investment ready.

Where can I get it from?

A Government agency or grant-making trust or foundation. Funding Central, Beehive Giving and The Good Exchange are three different portals that will help you search for relevant funding options. 

Pros

  • Typically you don’t have to pay the money back

  • Funders may provide additional support and advice

Cons

  • Grant funders may insist you stick to the activities on your grant agreement, rather than adapting your business plan when circumstances change

  • It’s difficult to get grant funding to develop a business activity

More information