Since the launch of Futurebuilders England (FBE) in 2004, over 100 organisations have benefited from more than £37 million worth of loans and grants, known as ‘investments’.

Key data from FBE’s first year of work:

• More than 70% of FBE’s investees have not borrowed before
• 26% of applicants and 24% of investees are black and minority ethnic (BME) managed VCOs
• Loans and guarantees make up 85% of total investments: nearly half the loans are unsecured
• 80% of loans are for buildings or refurbishment and 20% for working capital
• Just over half of investees received a larger investment than they originally requested
• 95% of investees receiving development grants intend to re-apply for a full investment within six months

Each FBE investment is set up to help improve a voluntary or community group’s ability to deliver public services in one of five key areas, including education and learning, heath and social care. Every investment is carefully scrutinized by a team of in-house Investment Officers who offer ongoing support to help the project become a long-term success.

Every month new investments are offered to VCO groups across the country.