Equality Sector Enterprise Development Research 2026: Funding Insights for VCSE Organisations

The Equality Impact Investing Partnership (EIIP), in collaboration with Equally Ours and Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, has launched a major research initiative aimed at strengthening enterprise development within the equality-focused VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector.

This initiative seeks to explore whether increased access to enterprise development funding and tailored support can help equality-focused organisations become more sustainable, resilient, and financially independent.

Why This Research Matters

Equality-focused VCSE organisations play a critical role in the broader social impact ecosystem. These organisations often work directly with communities that face structural inequalities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and racially marginalised groups.

Despite their importance, research shows that these organisations:

• Receive less enterprise development funding than non-equality-focused organisations
• Face ongoing challenges in financial sustainability
• Often depend heavily on traditional grant funding models

This research aims to address these gaps and provide actionable insights to funders, policymakers, and sector leaders.

Research Objectives

The initiative is designed to answer key questions such as:

• Can enterprise development funding improve sustainability for equality-focused VCSE organisations?
• What type of targeted support do these organisations need?
• Are current funding mechanisms effective?
• How can funders better support equality-driven organisations?

The findings will contribute to shaping a National Enterprise Development Strategy for the VCSE equalities sector.

Take the Survey

As part of the first phase, EIIP and its partners are inviting equality-focused VCSE organisations to participate in a short survey.

• ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
• 📅 Deadline: 30 April 2026

This survey is open to organisations operating at both national and regional levels and aims to capture diverse perspectives across different communities and sectors.

Contribute to the Evidence Base

In addition to the survey, organisations and researchers are encouraged to submit:

• Reports
• Data
• Case studies
• Evidence related to enterprise development and equality-focused funding

Submissions will support a comprehensive analysis of existing challenges and opportunities within the sector.

📧 Contact: info@equalityimpactinvesting.com

Impact and Future Outcomes

The results of this research will be:

• Shared with policymakers and funding bodies
• Used to inform future grant-making strategies
• Integrated into the development of a national strategy for enterprise development in the equality sector

This initiative represents a crucial step toward building a more equitable funding landscape, ensuring that organisations serving marginalized communities receive the support they need to thrive.

Why You Should Participate

By contributing to this research, your organisation can:

• Influence future funding policies
• Help shape a national strategy for equality-focused enterprise development
• Highlight the real challenges faced by your community
• Ensure your voice is included in decision-making processes

Final Thoughts

The Equality Sector Enterprise Development Research is more than just a survey—it is a strategic effort to reshape how funding and support are delivered to organisations working at the frontlines of social change.

Participating in this initiative is an opportunity to contribute to systemic change and help build a more inclusive and sustainable VCSE sector.

For more information click here 

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