Access Programme
The newly launched Access Programme supports social enterprises and charities in the West Midlands addressing the pressing cost-of-living crisis.
The programme, funded by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment and working in collaboration with the CWCDA provides grants and loans to organisations that are deep rooted in supporting those affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Through a combination of grants and loans, the Access Programme empowers social enterprises and charities to expand their activities to meet the rising demand at a time when its needed the most. This fund ensures that these vital organisations can effectively navigate and alleviate the challenges faced by them, ultimately benefitting the communities that need
it the most.
What is on Offer?
The Access Programme offers a range of support to eligible organisations, including:
Grant-Only Support: Grants ranging from a minimum of £5,000 to a maximum of £7,500.
Blended Finance: A combined loan and grant ranging from a minimum of £20,000 to a maximum of £40,000, with a grant of up to 50%. This blended approach with the loan and grant ensures that organisations have the necessary financial support to diversify and ensure their longevity.
Health Check Review: A 1-hour online session delivered by the Coventry and Warwickshire CDA to assess organisational readiness and impact.
Peer-to-Peer network: Join the network of like-minded organisations aiming to make a real difference within the area and make the most of new connections.
Who is it for?
The Access Fund is designed to support charities and social enterprises in several regions across the
West Midlands as detailed below:
Eligible Regions:
- Coventry
-
Warwickshire
-
Birmingham
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Solihull
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Dudley
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Sandwell
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Wolverhampton
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Walsall
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Worcestershire
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Staffordshire
Eligibility Criteria.
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Social enterprises and charities that are helping to support the cost-of-living crisis
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Based within one of the following areas:
Coventry, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Worcestershire, Staffordshire. -
This initiative is looking for organisations to diversify and root their service models in enterprise activity.
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Must be providing critical services: food and emergency supplies – like food and baby banks or the provision of hot meals, clothes, or toiletries. Emergency shelter e.g. night shelters or other accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. Safe spaces – like domestic abuse services and youth services. Warmth – like warm rooms and spaces. Financial and housing advice – like giving people advice because of the increased cost of living.
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N.B. Organisations could offer a ‘one-stop shop’ model where people can access all of the above services, or it could cover each individual service separately.
Representative example of Access Programme loan/grant.
Loan Amount:
Repayment Term:
Annual Interest Rate:
Arrangement Fee:
Repayments:
Total Amount Paid in Interest & Fees:
Grant Received:
£40,000
60 months
9.75% per annum (fixed)
£2,000 (5% of the loan value)
£887.22 per month
£13,358.16
£20,000 (50% of the loan value)
Access Programme is funded by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment
and working in collaboration with the CWCDA.
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