Kindred currently has money available for investment. We don’t, however, offer investment through a traditional application process.
Our approach is relationship-led. We invest in socially-trading organisations (STOs) we know, trust, and have built relationships with over time – and where trust is built in both directions. This allows us to take the time to understand each organisation properly, while supporting them to become investment-ready for sustainable growth – you can read our STO stories to get a feel for the types of investment we make.
Over the past five years, this approach has consistently led to stronger investments, more resilient organisations and is a key factor in our exceptional repayment rate.
This is intentional. Kindred was designed by STOs themselves, and this is the approach to investment they asked us to take. Kindred’s money is offered at 0% interest, is patient (long term) – and some money is repaid in social returns. Peer panels, with STOs who have already been through the investment process, make all Kindred investment decisions. But Kindred is about more than money.
Social investment can feel like unfamiliar territory – but it doesn’t have to. Kindred is running a series of practical, in-person workshops for socially-trading organisations (STOs) across Liverpool City Region who want to understand whether it could be right for them. Across six sessions, you’ll review your finances, build a realistic growth plan and develop the skills to clearly tell your organisation’s story. You’ll also connect with other local businesses, get peer-to-peer support, and come away more resilient – whatever you decide to do next.
The first series runs in Knowsley every Friday from 17 April to 22 May 2026. Places are limited, so if you’re curious, now’s a good time to find out more.
Access works to make charities and social enterprises in England more financially resilient and self-reliant, so that they can sustain or increase their impact.
The Berkeley Foundation Fund provides support for local and grassroots charities.
Better Society Capital exists to improve the lives of people in the UK through investment with a sustainable return.
Connect Fund provides grants to develop shared infrastructure solutions to create a more open and accessible social investment market.
This fund, financed by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, aims to encourage investment in new capital expenditure projects, that will help create jobs. It provides fee-free, interest subsidised loans up to £1m.
Gateway Angels is an investor network, supporting early-stage investment opportunities. ‘Angel’ investors tend to become partners, rather than just financiers, providing expertise, connections and business acumen.
The Good Exchange provides a grant matching service for community groups.
Good Finance lists social investors, funds and advisors across the country.
The Key Fund provides flexible loans and grants to help social enterprises start, become sustainable, and grow. It offers investments from £5k to £300k for community and social enterprises in Northern England and the Midlands.
Liverpool City Region’s Finance Hub provides a single access help point for small and medium-sized organisations who want to access external funding.
The Livv and Flourish Fund offers money to social organisations that make a positive impact in communities, while the Reach Fund’s grant programme acts as a stepping stone to apply for social investment.
The National Lottery offers funding to deliver a new or existing activity or to support your community organisation to change and adapt to new and future.
Social and Community Capital is a charity funded by NatWest to support social ventures looking to scale through loans, with flexible terms and business support.
SIB provides a range of loans, grants and tailored support.
UnLtd provides funding and support for social enterprises.
The Future Needs Us All - Empowering Black Communities
Growth Impact Fund – Investing for impact. Made for diverse-led organisations
And, of course, we’re still working with socially-trading organisations to provide support and connections. Keep an eye out for our latest events on our social media platforms and in our newsletter (scroll to the footer of this page to sign up), or place-based opportunities in Knowsley and St Helens.
* Links on this page aren’t an endorsement of a product or service. If you find any broken links or have any feedback on service provided by organisations here, please email andrew@kindred-lcr.co.uk.
