Big Issue Trust
Also known as: Big Issue Invest Trust, The Local Investment Fund, The Social Enterprise Loan Fund
The Social Enterprise Loan Fund aims to promote charitable purposes by the provision of loans and other financial assistance. We aim to support the growth of financially viable social enterprises.
Activities & Mission
The Social Enterprise Loan Fund aims to promote charitable purposes by the provision of loans and other financial assistance. We aim to support the growth of financially viable social enterprises.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 97% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 833). How is this calculated?
Higher than 42% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 56% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2023 — The Big Issue Foundation (organisation 1049077)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £971,725 | £1,734,728 | £1,686,304 | £1,089,291 | £202,586 | 0 / 0 |
| 2024 | £2,573,198 | £1,438,330 | £1,384,795 | £1,852,293 | £287,950 | 0 / 0 |
| 2023 | £338,872 | £604,718 | 0 / 0 | |||
| 2022 | £833,408 | £394,426 | £357,300 | £983,271 | £0 | 0 / 0 |
| 2021 | £847,508 | £515,700 | £515,700 | £544,289 | £467,629 | 0 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Big Issue Trust
What does Big Issue Trust do?
The Social Enterprise Loan Fund aims to promote charitable purposes by the provision of loans and other financial assistance. We aim to support the growth of financially viable social enterprises.
How much income did Big Issue Trust report in 2025?
Big Issue Trust reported total income of £972k and reported expenditure of £1.73m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Big Issue Trust?
Big Issue Trust has a program ratio of 173.5%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 97% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 833 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Big Issue Trust registered as a charity?
Big Issue Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 30 November 1994 as charity number 1042514. It has been registered for 32 years.
Who runs Big Issue Trust?
Big Issue Trust is governed by a board of 5 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Big Issue Trust operate?
Big Issue Trust operates in England, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Big Issue Trust a registered charity?
Yes — Big Issue Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1042514.
Details
The Big Issue
113-115 Fonthill Road
LONDON
N4 3HH
Registry Information
Is this your charity?
Add your logo, photos and tell the story behind the numbers in your own words. Free for our first 50 launch partners.
Claim this listing Learn more about premium profilesOther notable Economic and community development charities
Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Big Issue Invest Trust
- The Local Investment Fund
- The Social Enterprise Loan Fund
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated