Our NewsWorking together for our community for 20 years
Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) is the leading local grantmaker in the county, distributing £15 million pounds locally since our inception and establishing a national reputation for an innovative, community-focussed, and strategic approach.
Our aim is to be a catalyst for positive social change in the county by connecting people, ideas, resources and needs to make a lasting difference. We strongly believe that there should be opportunity for all and the lives of the most disadvantaged should be transformed through innovative, community-based solutions.
We are passionate about improving the lives of people in Bedfordshire and Luton and we are known for our ground-breaking initiatives, for our investment in supporting local charities and for our deep relationships with grassroots groups in our area. Our work has been recognised nationally for the impact we have made, but we remain firmly rooted in our communities.
Our top 3 areas of focus are:
1) Poverty & Disadvantage
2)Health, Wellbeing and Serious Illness
3) Stronger Communities
Poverty exists in our county and this creates economic insecurity, isolation, and marginalisation. We believe that inequality lies at the heart of issues of poverty and are taking a systemic approach to addressing this at a local level. We are using our local knowledge and national leadership to support and advise donors on the projects that can make a meaningful difference to the most disadvantaged individuals and communities.
“We build partnerships which connect donors with local projects to strengthen the communities in Bedfordshire and Luton.”
All our funds are listed in the Apply For Grants section of our website together with a criteria and application form. First read our eligibility criteria – Read First.
goAs an independent local grantmaker, we support voluntary and community groups working for the benefit of people living within Luton and Bedfordshire. We award all our grants from the numerous funds we manage on behalf of statutory agencies, private donors, companies and local families
goAs an independent local grantmaker, we support voluntary and community groups working for the benefit of people living within Luton and Bedfordshire. We award all our grants from the numerous funds we manage on behalf of statutory agencies, private donors, companies and local families
go
Our research has stressed the importance of providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing health, wellbeing or issues surrounding serious illness. As a foundation we look to fund groups and projects which improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of all aspects of health, and which offer respect and dignity to people in the pursuit of positive solutions.
We continue to help build a Bedfordshire that truly thrives – one that is welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive. By partnering with a wide range of responsible businesses, local people, and national organisations, we ensure a cohesive and targeted approach to our work.
It was wondeful to speak to Francesca Johnstone our Head of Operations to hear how the Foundation has always aimed to work with local groups and organisations, but to also hear the vision for the next twenty years. As we move forward we plan to continue to be dedicated to the local needs of our community and ensure we are an equitable funder whoe builds effective and meaningful partnerships across the County. Listen here as she sets out how we want to work now, and in the future.
#BLCFCelebrate
A new report by UK Community Foundations looks at the continued impact of the pandemic on local charities and the communities they serve. It examines the practical steps that funders can take to make their grant-making more responsive, inclusive and accessible to the sector. It also showcases some of the innovative grant-making programmes happening across the community foundation network.
To read the report in full, please click here.
This fund is now OPEN for applications from organisations supporting 11-18 year olds in Luton looking to tackle: the exploitation of children and young people such as gang associated behavior, serious youth violence or sexual exploitation, which encompass a multi-agency approach.
To find out more about the criteria or to make an application to this fund, please email Breege.Begley@blcf.org.uk or click here to find out more.
Closing date: Friday, 23rd July at 5pm.