£1m investment is force for social good

The University has invested £1 million in a new partnership that seeks to dismantle poverty and create opportunity for people and communities across the UK.

It will work with Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of The Big Issue Group, one of the world’s most recognised social enterprises and home to the award-winning street magazine. 

Social investment

The money will go in to Big Issue Invest’s Social Enterprise Investment Fund II (SEIF II). 

SEIF II invests in social enterprises and charities that are finding innovative solutions to tackle some of the toughest social problems. 

These include homelessness, social and financial exclusion, and youth unemployment.

Significant contributions

It is the largest financial investment in social enterprise ever made by a UK university.

The latest investment is part of Edinburgh’s continuing commitment to making a significant, sustainable, and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world. 

Edinburgh was the first university in Europe to become a member of Principles for Responsible Investment, a UN-backed initiative that aims to make the global financial system more sustainable.

In May 2015, the University signalled its intention to support the transition to a low carbon economy. Last year it announced its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040.

Over the 2015-2016 academic year, more than £8.8 million was provided through bursaries to help low income students.