Funding Social Enterprises: Confidence, Clarity & Collaboration

As more organisations adopt enterprising structures to deliver social impact, grant funders are increasingly asked to support models that go beyond the traditional charity framework. This includes Community Interest Companies (CICs), co-ops, and other social businesses committed to public benefit.

Join Yorkshire Funders for this practical, confidence-building webinar that will explore:

• How funders can effectively and responsibly support social enterprises
• How to assess governance, impact and financial safeguards
• Real-life examples of successful grant-funded CICs and social businesses

Hear from local experts in the field:

• Terry Murphy – Director, Sheffield Social Enterprise Network
• Jess O’Neill – Grants & Partnerships Manager, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation
• Andy Croft – Investment Manager, Key Fund

This session is for trustees, grants officers and funder decision-makers looking to:

1. Gain clarity on the legal and governance frameworks of CICs and social enterprises
2. Learn how to align grant funding with charitable objectives when working with social business models
3. Ask questions and explore real case studies in a trusted, peer-to-peer environment

By the end of the webinar, attendees will leave with:

• Clarity on legal structures –  a better understanding of how CICs and other social enterprises operate and how they can align with charitable purposes
• Confidence to fund Social Enterprises – practical guidance on how to support CICs whilst meeting charitable objectives, reassuring trustees and fulfilling regulatory responsibilities
• Real-world examples – case studies and experiences from funders and networks already working with social enterprises, showing what good funding practice looks like
• Due diligence know-how – tools and tips for assessing governance, financial management and impact when evaluating social enterprise applications
• Insight into blended finance – an introduction to how grant funding and social investment can complement each other, and when each approach is most effective
• New connections and collaboration opportunities – a chance to engage with peers in the Yorkshire Funders network and explore ways to work together to support enterprise-led impact

This webinar is free for Yorkshire Funders members to attend (£15 for non-members). You can reserve your place via Ticket Tailor, here.

With thanks to our 2025-26 corporate sponsors: