Apply to the Booster Fund

2026 update

• Expressions of Interest for development grants are now closed.
• Applications for matched equity investment remain open. 

Booster Fund 

The Booster Fund supports new and existing community businesses in England. If you are from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, find out other routes for community shares support.

What funding is available?

• Equity match investment: Investments could range from £10,000 to £50,000. This is an offer of repayable investment to match money raised from the community, providing the minimum share offer target is achieved. Applications for match-equity are open to community businesses that are investment ready, including those that have already launched their share offers. In order to support the fund long-term we seek a positive rate of return (interest) as soon as possible and a reasonable timescale to return the capital investment. We expect to see the withdrawal of share capital and payment of interest forecasted in the financial projections. From April 2025 investments will be made by our partner Community Shares ICOF, managed by Co-operative and Community Finance. Applicants should still apply through the Booster Fund portal.
• Subscription underwriting: If you think affordability is an issue for your community investors, our partner Co-operative and Community Finance (CCF) can offer you an interest-free repayable loan to enable people to buy shares through instalments over a maximum of 12 months, with the society receiving the full investment upfront.
• Loan finance: Through a Booster Fund application, we can also help you access loan finance from our partner CCF.

How to apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis:

1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis:
2. Read the Booster Fund application guidance to understand who can apply and what support is available
3. Complete the application form and submit any supplementary evidence. Once submitted it will be reviewed, we will follow up if we think there are any gaps, otherwise an assessor will carry out an assessment. The assessor may also check any queries with you. 

Who is behind the Booster Fund?

The Booster Fund is delivered in partnership by Co-operatives UK, Locality, Plunkett UK, and Co-operative and Community Finance. 

It is funded by Access the Foundation for Social Investment.