About SSE
We’re a charity that helps people start, sustain and scale organisations with a social or environmental purpose. We do this through hands-on learning programmes, workshops, funding and a supportive network of peers and partners.
We’re a charity with a practical, business-focused approach. Think less “lecture theatre”, more “what will actually help you grow your impact and income this year?”
You learn from people who’ve done it, not just talked about it. Our sessions are practical, interactive and rooted in lived experience – and you learn alongside peers who are facing similar challenges.
Most of our programmes don’t lead to formal qualifications. The value lies in the practical skills, confidence, networks and income growth you take back into your organisation.
We’re funded through a mix of grants, contracts, sponsorship and our own traded income (like paid workshops). That means many of our longer programmes are free to join if you’re accepted.
Who is SSE for?
No. If you’re running (or planning) something that makes a positive difference – a charity, CIC, social enterprise, community project or mission-led business – you’re in the right place.
Yes, for some programmes. We have courses for people at idea stage as well as programmes for organisations that are already up and running. Check the “Who it’s for” section on each programme page.
No. We support people at different stages – from “I’ve got an idea” through to established organisations looking to grow traded income, expand into new areas or strengthen leadership.
It depends on the programme. Usually, we’re looking for someone with real influence over the direction and income of the organisation – often a founder, CEO or senior leader.
No. We work with organisations in cities, towns and rural areas. Some programmes are place-based, others are open to any UK location.
Programme application
Absolutely not. If you had it all figured out, you probably wouldn’t be here. You just need a clear purpose, some sense of what you’re trying to build and a willingness to learn.
We look at your social or environmental impact, the need you’re addressing, your motivation, and how ready you are to make use of the learning and (where relevant) any grant support.
Go to the programme page and click “Apply”. You’ll fill in an online form about you, your organisation or idea, and your ambitions. Some programmes have a short expression-of-interest form first.
Usually we offer one place per organisation, though some programmes let you bring a colleague to certain sessions. The programme page will say what’s possible.
Yes. Places are limited, so we can’t say yes to everyone. You’re welcome to apply again in future or for a different programme that might be a better fit.
Where we can, we’ll share short feedback to help you understand our decision. For programmes with very high demand, detailed feedback may not be possible.
Yes. Many programmes have Q&A webinars or offer short calls with staff. If that’s not obvious on the page, use our contact form and we’ll point you to the right person.
Programme experience
It’s practical and relaxed. Think stories, discussions, exercises and real-life examples – not long lectures. You’re encouraged to bring your questions and challenges to the group.
There might be things we invite you to try between sessions, like testing an idea or talking to customers, but there are no surprise exams! The more you put in, the more you get out.
You’ll be with other people running (or starting) charities, CICs, social enterprises and community projects. Different sectors and sizes, shared values.
Many programmes include one-to-one mentoring or coaching alongside group learning. Where that’s the case, we’ll say so clearly on the programme page.
Many people do. We give dates in advance and design sessions to be manageable alongside real life. If you’re worried about time, speak to us before you apply.
We encourage you to attend everything, because group learning is key. If you have to miss something for an unavoidable reason, we’ll talk through options.
People often leave with more confidence, clearer focus, practical tools to grow income, stronger leadership skills, new partnerships and a supportive peer network.
Workshops
Workshops are short, focused sessions on specific topics (for example, “measuring social impact” or “writing a successful funding application”). Programmes are longer journeys with a cohort, often including grants and multiple learning days.
Our workshops are open to anyone. Most of our workshops require no previous knowledge, if you do it will be indicated on the specific workshop page.
No. Our workshops are open to anyone, even if you haven’t done an SSE programme before.
Most of our workshops have a fee. Prices and any available discounts will be shown on each workshop page.
Yes, we can offer any of our workshops or completely bespoke training on request. Please contact us to discuss the options.
Match Trading
Match Trading is a type of grant that matches an organisation’s increase in trading income, pound-for-pound, up to a set amount. It’s designed to help you grow sustainable income from selling goods or services.
Because relying only on grants is stressful. Match Trading encourages you to grow sales and earned income, while still giving you the reassurance of grant support as you build.
Over a set period, we compare your trading income to the previous year. For every extra pound you earn from trading, you unlock a pound of grant money, up to the maximum agreed for your programme.
Money you earn from selling goods or services – for example, training fees, ticket sales, contracts, products, memberships. It doesn’t usually include grants, donations or most fundraising income.
No. Some programmes offer Match Trading, some offer other types of grants, and some are learning-only with no funding attached. Check the programme page for details.
Accessibility, inclusion and support
We’ll do everything we reasonably can. Tell us what you need on the application form or contact us directly, and we’ll talk through adjustments, formats and support.
Many programmes have a budget to help with travel, childcare or other access costs, especially for in-person days. Details will be on the programme page or shared if you’re offered a place.
No. We’ll send clear joining instructions, keep the tech simple and can help you test things before sessions. You don’t need to be a digital wiz
We set group agreements, use experienced facilitators and encourage people to share only what they’re comfortable sharing. We have safeguarding and complaints procedures if anything isn’t right.
Funders and partners
We partner with trusts, foundations, public bodies and others to design and deliver programmes that build the resilience and traded income of your grantees or priority organisation
Our programmes help organisations grow income, strengthen leadership and governance, improve impact measurement and become more financially sustainable. We provide evaluation, data and stories along the way.
Yes. We regularly co-design place-based or themed programmes (for example, around health, sport, young people, or a particular region).
Yes. We run standalone workshops and short courses that can complement your existing funding programmes.
We agree an evaluation and reporting approach with you at the start. This normally includes a mix of numbers (for example, income growth) and qualitative stories from participants.
Use the details on our funders and partnership pages and a member of team will get back to you.