Social investments
As of 2021, the University has committed to invest £8 million in social investments for the benefit of society.
A total of £5.8 million has been committed to date of which £1.2 million has been drawn down with a further £2.1 million investments in the process of being made.
Power up Scotland
Nineteen social enterprises in Scotland received investment, support and mentorship from Power up Scotland programme, a socially responsible lending scheme co-funded by the University of Edinburgh.
The social ventures were able to respond to the Covid-19 crisis by providing meals to high-risk individuals, supporting disabled beneficiaries, helping those experiencing homelessness into accommodation and providing online counselling.
News: University supports social enterprises in Scotland
Simon Community Scotland
The University has contributed £1 million into a £5 million investment to Simon Community Scotland, an award-winning charity that helps people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Central Scotland.
The investment will support the charity expand its services and buy properties that will become permanent homes for up to 30 tenants in Edinburgh, helping them transition from homelessness towards employment and a new life.
News: University contributes £1m into social investment fund to tackle homelessness in Edinburgh
Investments
Close to £6 million of funds have now been committed in principle to a number of social enterprises, including:
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£500k in Big Issue Invest Power Up Scotland
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£1m in Big Issue Investment Social Investment Fund 2
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£1m in Scottish Growth Fund 2 managed by Social Investment Scotland
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£250k in Fair by Design fund
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£1m in Social and Sustainable Capital for the Simon Community investment
Edinburgh Innovations
Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service, continues to support social enterprises to a high level and Student Enterprise Hubs have re-opened post-lockdown.