Social & Sustainable Capital (SASC) is a UK-based specialised social investor established in 2014 that offers patient, mission-aligned debt finance to charities and social enterprises. It operates as an FCA-authorised UK AIFM and channels funds through dedicated social investment funds. SASC's lending supports charities and social enterprises with varied financing needs, including property acquisition, working capital, and growth. This lender caters primarily to organisations seeking social impact-focused loans, offering longer terms and customised structures compared to mainstream lenders. See our Social Sustainable Capital SASC Reviews and alternative finance loans overview for more insights.
Key features of Social & Sustainable Capital
SASC’s approach combines tailored social investment products with long-term capital and partnership-led support. It emphasises flexibility, impact measurement, and social mission alignment throughout the lending process.
- Relationship-led application process with a dedicated investment manager.
- Provides impact measurement and management tools free of charge.
- Flexible repayment profiles including amortising, bullet, and interest-only structures.
- Offers blended finance combining grants, subordinated debt, and senior debt.
- Partnership network links with Big Society Capital and local authorities.
Eligibility for funding
You may qualify for finance from SASC if your organisation is a UK charity or social enterprise with at least two to three years of trading history, depending on the fund. The business should demonstrate clear social or environmental impact and meet minimum turnover requirements, generally around £500k to £1m. Commercial SMEs or purely profit-focused businesses are excluded. Review detailed eligibility guides and use our tools to assess your fit.
Loan options available
SASC offers several loan types catering to different needs of social sector organisations. Loan sizes, terms, and rates vary according to fund and purpose, with fixed and variable rates available.
- Social and Sustainable Growth (SSG) Loan: Loan amounts from £100,000 to £1,500,000 over 5 to 10 years. Rates range from 6% to 10% fixed or RPI-linked. Suitable for smaller social enterprises with 2+ years trading and income above £500k.
- Community Investment Fund Loan: Loans between £250,000 and £2,000,000 for 2 to 15 years. Interest rates from 5% to 12%, fixed or variable. Flexible security up to about £400k unsecured. Open to organisations with 2+ years trading demonstrating local social impact.
- Third Sector Investment Fund Loan: Loans from £250,000 to £3,000,000 with terms of 2 to 15 years. Rates between 4% and 10%. Designed for medium-sized charities with 3-year accounts and social impact KPIs.
- Social and Sustainable Housing (SASH) Loan: Loans of £2,000,000 to £5,000,000 spanning 10 to 20 years. Fixed rates around 5% to 6% initially, then variable. Enables housing stock purchase with a modest deposit and no personal guarantees.
How to apply
The application process at SASC is primarily offline and relationship-based. Timescales are longer than mainstream banks, reflecting detailed due diligence and social impact assessment.
- Submit preliminary enquiry via form or email to start discussions.
- Provide financials, governance documents, impact plans, and property details if applicable.
- Initial term sheet issued within 2 to 4 weeks of preliminary info, with full credit approval in 8 to 12 weeks.
- Complete legal documentation and conditions precedent must be satisfied before drawdown, which occurs 2 to 3 weeks later.
Funding Agent’s review of Social & Sustainable Capital
SASC occupies a niche for UK social enterprises and charities needing flexible, patient capital aligned with their mission. Its range of funds supports property acquisition, growth, and community projects but requires robust social impact reporting and a longer application timeline. This lender is suitable for established organisations seeking significant funding with social purpose. Explore our eligibility checker, compare loans in our financing options, or read further independent reviews to decide if SASC meets your needs.



