The L&Q Foundation has been an active social investor since 2011. Here, you’ll find a summary of how we’ve invested in community projects and partnerships to fund social and environmental change.

About impact investment

With the launch of the L&Q Foundation strategy, we strengthened our commitment to being a significant grant maker in London and the South East.

Impact investment is the use of repayable finance to fund social and environmental change - in essence, it is the use of loans rather than non-payable grants to support community projects. The United Kingdom is at the forefront of this new space.

Below is an example of our track record that shows our commitment to innovation in funding social change.

The Real Lettings Property Fund

In 2012, L&Q invested in the Real Lettings Property Fund. The fund was created in partnership with an investment management firm, Resonance, and London-based homelessness charity, St Mungo's.

It was developed to respond to the lack of private rented accommodation accessible to the rising numbers of people living in temporary accommodation and those at risk of homelessness.

We were one of the first and largest social investors in the fund. Our £10m investment has helped them source, purchase and refurbish a portfolio of more than 250, one and two-bedroom properties in London.

These have been leased to St Mungo's to provide quality accommodation to families and people at risk of homelessness.

The Real Lettings Property Fund has grown to become the largest impact investment fund in the UK at a final close of £57m.