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 one of the original founders of BLCF, Geoffrey Farr MBE, DL on where the idea for the foundation first came from. Together he and two others were instrumental in the launch and are rightly proud of all that has been achieved since it's inception back in 1999. To hear him recall the chain of events visit our special anniversary page here.
#BLCFCelebrate
Did you know we've distributed over £15million in funding since we were first incorporated as a charity 20 years ago? We think that's worth celebrating!
To share your happy memories of working with BLCF, please tag us on social media using the hashtag #BLCFCelebrate.
2020 was a vital year for small, charitable organisations, trying to make a real difference through the pandemic. We're very proud that we were able to award an unprecedented number of grants to more than 200 incredible groups.
Such an amazing achievement simply wouldn't be possible without the support of so many outstanding partners and funders who continue to recognise the value of our work. If you would like to talk to us about starting or contributing to a fund, please contact at us via this email: administrator@blcf.org.uk.