Affordable Housing
London is in the midst of a housing crisis. Rents are skyrocketing and vacancy rates are at an all time low. More and more we are seeing members of our community fall through the cracks and end up in temporary shelters or on the streets.
Governed by the Foundation’s Social Finance Committee and advised by the Housing Action Committee (HAC) the Social Impact Fund seeks to kickstart affordable housing development in our community by helping organizations get shovels in the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you are in need of affordable housing, please call 211, visit the City of London’s Homeless Prevention and Housing page or refer to this resource.
Social Enterprise
The Social Impact Fund has expanded the financial tools available to London Community Foundation, ensuring that we can be flexible to the needs of each applicant. The goal of our Social Impact Fund is to strengthen entrepreneurship in London’s social enterprise sector, primarily through financial investments.
We want to work with non-profit organizations, as we recognize that many non-profits have difficulty securing financing from the traditional sources.
In addition to providing traditional loans, the Social Impact Fund can provide support through various other financial instruments, including lines of credit, letters of guarantee, mortgages or even an equity investment if the project is a good fit.
Why Work With Us
Low Interest Rates
We make the cost of borrowing manageable, meaning more of your income can be used for social impact.Flexible Financing
The Social Impact Fund can provide support through various other financial instruments, including traditional loans, lines of credit, letters of guarantee, mortgages or even an equity investment.Personal Process
We make it as quick and easy for you as possible to access funding through the Social Impact Fund by cutting through the red tape that traditionally can be a burden.
Desire to Get to Yes
We are in your corner. We approach every meeting, every application with a desire to arrive at a solution that works.Social Focus
As a community foundation, our mandate centers around making our community a better place. Your mission and desire to make an impact on your community is just as important to us as your profitability.Trusted Partner
The Foundation's board and committees have decades of finance, investment, and community building experiencing informing every decision. You can trust us at every step.Useful Links
Contact Us
Think the Social Impact Fund might be a good fit for your Social Enterprise or Affordable Housing development? Tell us about it! Start the conversation with us below.
Application Resources
Below you’ll find resources that may help you prepare to apply for a loan from LCF’s Social Impact Fund.
Apply For A Loan (.pdf)
Loan Approval Process (.pdf)
Eligibility
LCF is accepting applications from all organizations that are in the business of doing good, be it a social enterprise or building affordable housing. Here are some definitions and resources that can help you figure out where you fit in.
Recognition & Reporting
We ask that you recognize our contribution by acknowledging the Foundation in marketing and media materials (print and online) when possible and appropriate. Please use the below materials and guidelines, and contact Matthew Brewer if you have any questions.
Logo Package (.zip)
Brand Guidelines (.pdf)
Yard/Construction (.pdf)
External Resources - Affordable Housing
External Resources - Social Enterprise
Ready to Apply?
Great, we look forward to receiving your application! If you’re still unsure about anything regarding the Social Impact Fund, check out our FAQ’s below, or contact Vijay Venkatesan, VP, Finance and Operations, for more information.
Social Impact Fund
Since its inception in 2012, the Social Impact Fund has unlocked the Foundation’s assets in order to create positive change in the community by providing loans to social enterprises and affordable housing projects.
As the Social Impact Fund grows and more loans go out into the community, the social returns of the Foundation’s assets also grow, while retaining a financial return.Our Social Impact Fund totals over $32M, and has invested in a variety of both affordable housing and social enterprise projects since its inception.
If you think the Social Impact Fund could help with your Social Enterprise or Affordable Housing Development, tell us about it today!
The Impact of the Fund
Latest Social Finance News
In June, Indwell opened up the Health Services Building to some of the London Community Foundation team, accompanied by a photographer, to take a first look inside the building before renovations begin. As part of the Vision SoHo Alliance’s wider development at the site, the building will include 96 affordable supportive studio, one and two bedroom apartments, anchored by a community food hub in the former auditorium.
Shane Butcher was appointed Chair of the Social Finance Committee in 2024. Shane recently spoke with Rachelle Lamarche, our Finance and Operations Specialist, about the role of the Social Finance Committee and the vision for the Foundation’s Social Impact Fund.
With construction and renovations underway at Vision SoHo, the site looks different every day. Thanks to Nicholson Sheffield, Indwell, and Southside for sharing their latest photos.
So much of the social finance work London Community Foundation does relies on work done in the background by law firm Lerners LLP. Mark Evans, a partner at Lerners, tells us a bit more about the work he does for the Foundation.