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.
We are recruiting new Trustees. BLCF is the 4th largest grantmaking Community Foundation in the UK, hence we are looking to grow our Board with proactive Trustees, preferably affiliated to Bedfordshire. Trustees are the final decision-makers, with oversight of all the charity’s decisions, the Board’s main job is to set direction and have oversight of what’s going on. The Board meets quarterly and we have three executive committees.
For full details on how to apply before Sunday March 21st, please click here.
Grants of up to £20,000 per year over a 2 year period are available to small local charities and community groups based in the Central Bedfordshire or Luton area.
The priorities for this fund are: Mental Health, Poverty and Equity.
All grant awards must be fully spent by April 2023.
To learn more about the criteria and how to apply, please click here.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Viviane Vayssieres, FCIM, as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Viviane has served as a board member for the past 3 years and has been a Marketing Consultant at Paule Rochelle since 2009.
We are also delighted to welcome Karen Perkins as our new CEO. Karen moves to the Foundation after 16 years with the Culture Trust, Luton and is a passionate advocate for partnership working and collaboration.
Download the full Press Release HERE.
