Type: Mixed Grant & Loan
Value: £25k – £250k (40% grant)
Location: England
Contact: sheila.forster@ubele.org
What is the Energy Resilience Fund?
The Energy Resilience Fund (ERF) provides a blended funding package comprising a 60% loan and 40% grant to enhance the energy resilience of eligible charities and social enterprises in England. This initiative supports projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy costs.
The Fund is delivered through a partnership including Social Investment Business, Big Issue Invest, Charity Bank, Co-operative and Community Finance, Groundwork UK, Key Fund, Resonance Ltd, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and The Ubele Initiative.
Who is it for?
Charities and social enterprises based in England seeking to improve energy efficiency. Eligible activities include:
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Lowering energy costs.
- Meeting future energy efficiency regulations.
- Improving building use or comfort.
- Replacing older vehicles and equipment.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be:
- Incorporation as a charity, CIC, or Community Benefit Society.
- Based and operating primarily in England.
- Active for at least 2 years with a minimum turnover of £100k.
- Employing fewer than 250 staff, with an annual turnover not exceeding £40m or a balance sheet total not exceeding £35m.
- Unable to access mainstream bank lending for this purpose.
- Free from insolvency proceedings.
- Supported by senior decision-makers for loan finance applications.
Funding Details:
- Product: Blended loan (60%) and grant (40%)
- Amount: £25k – £250k (including 40% grant)
- Loan Term: 1 – 10 years (optional capital repayment holiday up to 12 months)
- Interest Rate: 8.5% fixed per annum
- Arrangement Fee: 2.5% of loan value
- Loan Security: Generally unsecured, secured only by exception
Eligible Expenditures Include:
- Energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and glazing upgrades
- Solar panels, battery storage, and heating systems
- Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
- Equipment for catering, manufacturing, or facility upgrades
How to Apply:
To begin your application, Click Here.
The Ubele Initiative is one of the support partners and offers pre- and post-application support, including application assistance, document preparation, and post-funding advice. When you apply for funding, please select Ubele from the drop-down list.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- What exactly is this funding offer?
It’s a blended finance package, a mix of grant (which you don’t pay back) and loan (which you do, under fair and flexible terms). It’s designed to help social and community-focused organisations grow sustainably.
- Do I need to have everything in place before I speak to you?
Not at all! You can talk to us before you even start an application. We have a dedicated advisor who’ll explain the offer, answer your questions, and help you decide which option it’s right for you.
- What kind of support will I get during the application process?
You’ll get guidance to help you complete your application with confidence. This includes advice around business planning, cash flow, and understanding the financial side of things. While the application is your responsibility, we’re here to help you prepare and answer questions along the way.
- What does ‘investment ready’ mean and what if I’m not?
Being investment ready means your application, finances, and delivery plans are strong enough to present to the Investment Committee. If you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay, we will try and help you improve with practical recommendations and honest feedback.
- Who decides if I get the funding?
The final decision is made by the Investment Committee, but your application will not be presented until we and the Relationship Manager believe you’re ready. Our role is to support and strengthen your case, so you go in with the best chance possible.
- Will I have someone guiding me personally?
Yes. Once you apply, you’ll be matched with a Relationship Manager and continue working with our dedicated advisor. If you’re successful, you’ll also get a Social Investment Business (SIB) Manager for longer-term support.
- What happens if I’m successful – how quickly will I get the funds?
If approved, you’ll receive your funding in approx. 6 weeks. But even better, you’ll continue to receive support from the Relationship Manager to grow your organisation, not just repay the loan. They are with you for an extended period.
- Do I have to repay the grant part?
No. The grant portion is non-repayable. Only the loan part needs to be repaid, and we’ll make sure you understand the terms clearly before you commit.
- What if I have a small organisation or I’m new to this?
That’s completely fine. We work with many smaller or emerging organisations. What matters most is your impact, your vision, and your willingness to work with us to grow.
- What’s the best way to get started?
The easiest way is to join an Open Surgery webinar (check our website and Newsletter for dates) or book a one-to-one chat with our advisor. There’s no pressure, it’s just a chance to explore the opportunity and ask questions.
Or if you believe you meet all the criteria for the funding opportunities, feel free to upload your application. Remember to hit the Ubele tab when asked in the application process.
