Impetus Trust, the UK venture philanthropy association, has received a £310,000 investment from the Cabinet Office as part of its 'Big Society' plan, at a time when the private equity industry is seeking to improve its public image.

Impetus, a charity organisation backed by high-profile buyout executives including Apax Partners founder Sir Ronald Cohen, will receive £310,000 from The Social Action Fund on behalf of the Cabinet Office. The Social Action Fund was set up as part of recommendations announced in the 'Giving' white paper last year - part of the Government's 'Big Society' plan.