IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
As part of a wider community foundation initiative to improve and streamline our systems, BLCF is currently in the process of implementing a new CRM system. This update will see a change in how people apply for grants, with applicants needing to register to a new grantseeker portal. The portal will have huge benefits as applicants will be able to see their applications’ status update in real time and reduce some of the existing duplication experienced too.
The BLCF team will be hosting taster sessions in the near future for groups to understand what the new system looks like and how to use it.
Dates for the taster sessions will be confirmed via email in the near future.
Who We Fund
BLCF funds registered charities and other not-for-profit groups making a positive difference to people in the community (i.e. community groups, sports groups, PTAs, etc).
To be eligible for funding, we will need to see the following:
You will also need to demonstrate:
- Good financial management and health, without large free / unrestricted funds.
- A comprehensive safeguarding policy (for work with children / adults at risk).
- A clear plan to work in partnership with others.
- Sought funds from a range of sources, made efforts to become self-sustaining, and have a clear strategy for when funding ends.
How to Apply
As an independent local grant maker, we support voluntary and community groups working for the benefit of people living within Luton and Bedfordshire. We award all our grants from funds provided by local councils, private donors, businesses, and families.
You can find all our funds in the grants section on our website. Each has its own criteria document and application form. Most of our funds are for grants under £10,000.
Before you apply, it is really important to thoroughly read the criteria for each fund to check your eligibility. Please check your organisation is eligible in terms of your registered address, the geographic area you deliver your work in, and the type of work you do.
Please note that applications must be submitted online via our grants management system. If you experience any difficulties in accessing this, please contact us on [email protected] or 01525 306 690.
Successful applications must demonstrate:
- A strong case for support or evidence of need.
- Clear aims and objectives.
- They are user-led / meaningfully engage people with lived experience of the issues being addressed.
- That the grant will make a real, positive difference to people within the community.
- Your team has the ability to to run the project well.
- Strong financial management.
- You work well with other local groups and have strong partnerships.
- You have sought funds from a range of sources, made efforts to become self-sustaining, and have a clear strategy for when funding ends.
- You are committed to equity and inclusion, welcoming everyone and treating people fairly.
Our funding can pay for; staff and running costs, new or existing projects, and buildings & equipment. And we are particularly interested in small, grassroots organisations.
Our friendly grants team is here to help, and we really want to do our best to help you access our funding. Please contact us if you need any further information or advice – [email protected] or 01525 306 690.
Our resources
Download files:
Our Grant Making Policy
Funding for CIC and Social Enterprise
Our Checks on your Information
Identifying Need
FAQs
Complaints Policy & Procedure
