Social Investment FAQs

FAQs

• 1. How do I apply for a loan for my organisation?

  We have no application forms for you to complete. We’d much rather have a conversation to understand what you do, your impact, and the project you're looking for us to help you with.

  As a responsible lender, however, we would look for details of what the money is for and some financial projections/information that demonstrates the loan is affordable and won't put any financial strain on your organisation.

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• 2. Can my organisation get a loan to buy a building?

  Yes, and we often do provide support to buy property. Our funding is unrestricted and can be used for many different purposes aligned with your organisation's impact and sustainability ambitions.

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• 3. If I deliver products or services, can I get a loan?

  Yes. 

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• 4. Will our Trustees have personal liability for the loan?

  SIS is lending to the organisation/legal entity therefore there would be no financial liability for any SIS investment. Our decision to lend is based on the organisation's ability to repay the loan, not the Trustees.

  We do not take Personal Guarantees from the management team/Directors. We may still look to take security but this would be based on the organisation’s assets, not individuals.

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• 5. How do you calculate interest rates?

  We always try to offer our lowest interest rate possible. Interest rates are based on risk with more riskier projects having a slightly higher interest rate. If we can obtain security, over an asset, for example, this would be reflected in the interest rate charged.

  All SIS interest rates are fixed for the full term of the loan giving you and your organisation certainty of costs for the long term.

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• 6. What do you want to see in my business plan?

  Ideally, we want to have a conversation with you and understand your organisation and what you are planning to do. From there we would ask for the sort of information your Board are likely to ask to support the project.

  These documents may be:

  - A (short) business plan/executive summary of the project you want to undertake;

  - Your key assumptions in achieving the goals of your plan, feeding into;

  - The financial projections that demonstrate the activity is the right thing to do for your organisation and the community you serve;

  - We may ask for other details such as information about the skills and composition of your leadership team and Board, historical financial information, and anything else that might support your application.

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