Key Fund

Key Fund Key Fund is a leading investor in social and community enterprise. We unlock finance and support people making a positive difference. Build one.

Don’t dream of a better world. Growing enterprise in communities: We give loans and grants to people and enterprises that make a big impact, tackling social and environmental issues in their heart of their communities. We operate across the North of England and the Midlands. Visit our website to find out more, and see how we can help you: www.thekeyfund.co.uk

Here’s what some of our clients say…



“Birdcage would not exist if it wasn’t for Key Fund support offering unsecured development loans to a charity with no track record in retail. They ensured we not only had access to money, but the right support, expertise and business plans to enable a small organisation to make the leap to trading.”
Louise Tyne, Organisation Director, Birdcage

“The Key Fund has been instrumental at key strategic points in our development. We started as one thing, but now we deliver many different services through various strands and the Key Fund has provided vital investment at every stage, allowing us to launch these new brands and concepts. Have you ever talked to a bank? There’s almost zero access to finance, especially at first as a new organisation. Even after 11 years of operating, in this current climate there’s no chance of accessing money from mainstream banks, so the Key Fund has been vital to our survival and growth.”
Steven Mundin, Senior Manager, Higher Rhythm

“Having the Key Fund in Yorkshire has helped address disadvantage and discrimination in a practical and lasting way. It stimulates local economies in deprived areas backing projects that mainstream banks just wouldn’t touch. The continued success of ABL and the transformation of Manningham are testament to the spirit of what can be achieved, with the right support and belief.”
Sam Keighley CEO, ABL

“Without the Key Fund support, we’d be finished. They’ve handed us at least two ‘get out of jail’ cards. I can’t praise them enough. It’s not just the financial support but the advice, support and trusting relationship with the staff. We’re a diverse organisation always in tune with what’s happening around us - even more so with the economic uncertainties. We’ve dropped services and bought new ones in to support the people who most need it. I’ve been here over ten years and the connection with the Key Fund has put us where we are today.”
Steve Palmer, Operations Manager, Barnsley Community Build

“Key Fund not only invests, it’s shaping the sector at large. Their impact and leadership is remarkable. They punch well above their weight, thanks to their passion and commitment. They’ve have the vision to adapt to the challenges in our economy, without ever losing their original mission – to help balance inequalities, improving lives of the most disadvantaged in society.”
Ben Hughes, CEO of the CDFA

We'll be here next week.
24/06/2026

We'll be here next week.

What happens when things don’t go to plan?

Some of the most valuable lessons come from the moments that don’t go as expected.

At Good Finance Live, we’ll hear from Daniel Botcherby - Kalda , Kieran Carty - Growth Impact Fund, Leila Sharland - Resonance and Rosie Mead in a panel session chaired by Swati Pujari - Pathway Fund.

Together, they’ll share honest reflections on challenges, setbacks and what organisations can learn from navigating the unexpected.

Join us in Liverpool or online on 1 July.

Register today: www.goodfinance.org.uk/live

24/06/2026

Originally approaching Key Fund to bridge a critical funding gap, Chester Pride has gone on to grow its LGBTQ+ helpline to 7,000 contacts a year, while its Rainbow Tea Rooms café is on track to turnover £200k – helping secure the charity's future. 🌈

The organisation runs Chester Pride – now the city's biggest non-racecourse event with 21,000 attendees – alongside a helpline supporting people through coming out, gender transitioning, abuse situations and mental health challenges.
Head of Charity Richard Euston said: "Key Fund completely understand how we operate. They know the difference you make, and want you to continue to make it. That understanding is phenomenal.💬

To read more about Rainbow Cafe, see the client story here: https://thekeyfund.co.uk/client-stories/rainbow-cafe/

Congratulations to our clients who have just secured investments from Key Fund! 👏🎉Today was Investment Panel Day & we ag...
23/06/2026

Congratulations to our clients who have just secured investments from Key Fund! 👏🎉

Today was Investment Panel Day & we agreed to £479k worth of investments.

Could this be you next month? Let's Talk! 0330 202 0559

Last week Dunstablians Rugby Union Football Club Limited received their funding from Key Fund.We cannot wait to see the ...
23/06/2026

Last week Dunstablians Rugby Union Football Club Limited received their funding from Key Fund.

We cannot wait to see the impact this investment will make for the community they work in.

Want to know more about the funding we offer?
Let's Talk! 0330 202 0559

As a result of Key Fund investment, 694,056 beneficiaries have been supported from 2022-2025. 👥This perfectly represents...
19/06/2026

As a result of Key Fund investment, 694,056 beneficiaries have been supported from 2022-2025. 👥
This perfectly represents how important to us impact truly is.
To learn more about our impact, you can read client stories on our website.
https://thekeyfund.co.uk/client-stories/

We're up and running at Connected Voice Newcastle and Gateshead Funding Fair. Investment Manager Andy Croft is ready on ...
17/06/2026

We're up and running at Connected Voice Newcastle and Gateshead Funding Fair. Investment Manager Andy Croft is ready on the stand to answer any of your funding questions.

Come and speak to our Head of Investments, Chris Colwell, who will be there to answer any funding questions you may have...
17/06/2026

Come and speak to our Head of Investments, Chris Colwell, who will be there to answer any funding questions you may have.

We'll be here today. If you're local to Derby, pop along! 👋
17/06/2026

We'll be here today. If you're local to Derby, pop along! 👋

Social investment is often surrounded by myths.

"It's only for large organisations."
"It's just another loan."
"We're not ready for investment."

The reality is often very different.

On Wednesday 17 June, we're delighted to welcome Naomi Sampson, Investment Manager at Key Fund, to Rise @ 58i for an informal and practical conversation about social investment and what it could mean for charities, social enterprises and purpose-led organisations.

We'll explore:
• What social investment actually is
• Whether your organisation might be investment ready
• Different types of finance available
• When investment is the right tool – and when it isn't
• Real examples of organisations that have used investment to grow their impact

Key Fund has invested millions of pounds into organisations across the UK, helping them strengthen communities, create jobs and build more sustainable futures.

📅 Wednesday 17 June 2026
⏰ 4.30pm – 6.30pm
📍 58i, Derby

If you've ever wondered whether social investment could help your organisation grow its impact, this session is for you.

Book your place: https://58i.co.uk/events/18

17/06/2026

From funding fairs to presenting – here’s where you’ll find us today:

Our Head of Investments, Chris Colwell, will be at our stand at Connected Voice Newcastle & Gateshead Funding Fair 2026 in Newcastle and Investment Manager, Naomi Sampson will be in Derby, presenting at the RISE Meet up.

Address

Key Fund, Riverside Works, 9-12 Jessops Riverside, 800 Brightside Lane
Sheffield
S92RY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443302020559

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