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.”
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.
As 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
goAll 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
go“The grant has made a big impact to our users who are vulnerable and need support for their mental health and learning.”
Mary Seacole Housing Association
Our research has stressed the importance of providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health issues. As a foundation we look to fund groups and projects which improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health and which offer respect and dignity to people.
Our expert team is leading the foundation sector nationally, in transforming the way we distribute funding to ensure it is equitable, transparent and representative. DEI is a grantmaking framework which ensures that philanthropy becomes more impactful and reflective of the people we seek to help.
#iwill is a UK-wide campaign aiming to get 6 out of 10 young people involved in social action by 2020. Social action involves activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, all of which enable participants to make a positive difference to their communities.
If you have a youth-led project in Bedfordshire and would like more information about how to apply, please click here.
Our Community Panel is a body of local representatives brought together for the specific purpose of advising on decisions about grant awards under various funds managed by BLCF. The Panel comprises representatives of the community or communities benefiting from the Fund. Ideally, members will represent a good cross section of the community. In fact, the more mixed and diverse the Panel, the more representative of the local community it is likely to be.
All Panel members need to be well informed about and take a healthy interest in community issues and be keen to see the funds making a real difference to their community. This is a voluntary post and we require you to attend up to 4 meetings a year.
We are specifically interested in hearing from people from the Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough areas. Please express your interest in writing (no more than 400 words) detailing your relevant skills and experience to via email to: francesca.johnstone@blcf.org.uk
Find out more about the role here.
This funding programme is administered by the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) on behalf of the National Emergencies Trust and the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport (DCMS). Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000* can be considered for organisations based in Bedfordshire.
To see if your organisation is eligible please read the full criteria document here, or view the application form