The FutureBuilders fund has been impactful in improving conditions in deprived areas.

The Futurebuilders England Fund was considered effective for several reasons:

Access to finance

The Futurebuilders England Fund provided access to tailored finance options for social sector organisations. It offered loans, grants, and other financial products specifically designed to meet the unique needs and challenges of social enterprises and voluntary organisations. This access to finance enabled these organisations to scale their operations, invest in infrastructure, and deliver their services more effectively.

Capacity building and support

The fund not only provided financial assistance but also offered capacity building support to the organisations it funded. This support included mentoring, consultancy services, and training programs aimed at improving the management, governance, and sustainability of the funded organisations. By enhancing the capacity of social sector organizations, the fund helped them become more efficient, resilient, and impactful.

Flexibility and innovation

The Futurebuilders England Fund demonstrated flexibility in its approach to funding. It recognised the diverse needs of social sector organisations and allowed for innovative funding models, such as outcome-based financing and social impact bonds. This flexibility encouraged experimentation and innovation, enabling organisations to develop new approaches to social issues and deliver better outcomes.

Focus on outcomes and impact

The fund prioritised outcomes and impact measurement. It required organisations to demonstrate the social impact of their activities and provided support in developing robust impact measurement frameworks. This focus on outcomes ensured that funded organisations were accountable for the results they achieved and encouraged a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Collaboration and partnership

The Futurebuilders England Fund actively promoted collaboration and partnership among funded organisations. It facilitated networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and peer learning, creating a community of social sector organisations that could support and learn from each other. This collaborative approach fostered innovation, efficiency, and shared learning across the sector.

Long-term sustainability: The fund aimed to build the long-term sustainability of social sector organizations. It encouraged the development of sustainable business models, income diversification strategies, and financial resilience. By supporting organizations in becoming financially sustainable, the fund aimed to create lasting social impact and reduce reliance on grant funding.

Evaluation and learning

The Futurebuilders England Fund undertook rigorous evaluation and learning processes to assess the effectiveness of its investments. It regularly reviewed the outcomes achieved by funded organisations and used the findings to improve its funding strategies and support mechanisms. This commitment to evaluation and learning ensured that the fund continuously adapted and refined its approach to maximize its impact.

The impact of fund is still being felt today according to this article in The Guardian.