Unlocking the Potential of Community Based Finance
File type: pdf
File size: 70.2Mb
reports
The art of the possible: Unlocking the potential of community-based finance
Connected Places Catapult commissioned the Impact Investing
Institute to undertake a short research project to explore opportunities
for expanding community-based finance in the UK.
Institute to undertake a short research project to explore opportunities
for expanding community-based finance in the UK.
The project aims to identify new or underutilised mechanisms that enable local public bodies, businesses, and citizens to take a financial stake in the success of their communities, with a particular focus on delivering place-based initiatives and driving innovation. It presents a series of case studies showcasing current practices and opportunities for further development, alongside recommendations for these approaches to evolve and contribute further to thriving local economies.
Although substantial work has been undertaken by the Institute and others to scale up institutional investment from sources such as pension funds, banks and asset managers for place-based impact, comparatively little attention has been paid to expanding community-based finance models.
This report seeks to address this gap by identifying effective, replicable and scalable approaches, and facilitating cross-place learning in community-based finance.
To achieve these objectives, the Institute led a focused research initiative, including desk-based research, interviews with key stakeholders, and a roundtable discussion with organisations driving and pioneering positive change through community-based finance models.
By examining these local financing mechanisms, the project aims to enhance the ability of public bodies, local citizens and organisations to invest in their area's development, and raise awareness of the positive role these organisations play in community development – ultimately contributing to more resilient and prosperous communities.
