Investing for impact: what charities need to know 

The financial landscape for charities has shifted. Donations are harder to secure. Fundraising costs more and delivers less. At the same time, demand for services is rising, particularly in health and care, where organisations are grappling with increasingly complex needs and stretched resources. 

In this context, many charities are exploring new ways to fund their mission. Impact investment is one of the most promising – but it is also one of the most misunderstood. 

At Future Care Capital, we know what it takes to make impact investment work for charities. We have done it ourselves. We now offer our insight, experience and expertise to others who are considering whether – and how – to do the same. 

Why impact investment matters now 

The old model of charitable funding is under strain. Public grants are limited. Donations are falling in real terms. Traditional philanthropy cannot keep pace with the scale of the challenges facing the health and care sector. 

Impact investment offers an alternative: the opportunity to put capital to work in a way that is mission-aligned and, in some cases, generates a financial return. It is not about commercialisation or moving away from charitable values. It is about making strategic choices that support your goals, sustain your operations and amplify your influence. 

At its best, impact investment allows charities to back the innovations they believe in and that will help those they serve, shape the systems they work in, and strengthen their long-term resilience. 

But it is not straightforward. The investment world can feel opaque. The risks are real. And the language, processes and due diligence requirements can be off-putting for those without in-house expertise. 

That is where we come in. 

What FCC brings to the table 

As a charity that has made impact investments – both directly and as a cornerstone investor in the RYSE Special Opportunities Fund – we understand the terrain. 

We know what good looks like. We know where the pitfalls lie. We understand how to navigate the tensions that can emerge when mission, governance and finance come together. 

We now support other charities who are considering how and where to invest for impact. Our approach is bespoke, strategic and grounded in experience. 

How we help 

We work with charities at different stages of their impact investment journey. Whether you are just starting to explore the space or looking to refine an existing investment strategy, we can provide the guidance, tools and insight you need to move forward with confidence. 

Our advisory offer includes: 

• Strategic advice and scoping – helping boards and leadership teams understand what impact investment means, what it might look like for their organisation, and how to approach it 

• Risk and governance support – identifying and addressing the specific risks for trustees, including regulatory and reputational concerns, and simplifying complex decisions 

• Impact alignment and due diligence – ensuring any investment strategy is aligned to the charity’s mission, values and long-term strategy 

• Practical support – including tailored toolkits, expert-led workshops, and hands-on consultancy designed to build confidence and capacity 

Crucially, we speak the language of both the charity and investment worlds. We understand what trustees need to hear, what funders are looking for, and how to structure an approach that meets both impact and financial expectations. 

A charity-focused approach 

This is not about chasing returns. It is about using resources wisely, courageously and in a way that reflects your purpose. 

We know that for many charities, the idea of investing is unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. That is why our approach is supportive, transparent and grounded in your mission. We help you ask the right questions, make informed choices and move at a pace that works for you. 

And because we are a charity ourselves, we know what is at stake. We understand the duty of care that boards hold, the trust that supporters place in their organisations, and the importance of evidence when trying something new. 

We bring that understanding to every piece of advice we give. 

Impact investment is not a silver bullet. But it is a serious opportunity — one that more charities are beginning to explore. With the right support, it can become a powerful tool for social change and long-term resilience. 

To find out more about this, visit our impact investing page.