For over 25 years, we have worked with businesses and individuals to create tailored funds that tackle the key issues affecting people and communities across Bedfordshire and Luton. With our expertise and guidance, we make sure your investment supports crucial services and reaches the communities where it can make the greatest difference.
Our roadmap to starting a fund with us
1. Initial Conversation
We start with a conversation about your business, what matters to you, and the kind of difference you want to make locally. We’ll talk through community needs and the different ways you could get involved.
2. Fund Design
We work with you to shape a fund that fits your priorities and supports local communities. Together we agree the focus, funding level, and how it will work.
3. Partnership Agreement & Fund Setup
We put the agreement in place and set up the fund. BLCF handles the administration, governance, and reporting so the process is straightforward.
4. Fund Delivery
We distribute funding to local groups and manage the grant-making process. There are opportunities for your staff to get involved through volunteering/decision making or community engagement.
5. Impact & Reporting
We share updates, stories, and clear reports so you can see the difference your funding is making and share it with your stakeholders.
6. Next Steps
We continue working with you to help deliver your CSR and ESG goals over the long term. This could include multi-year funding, new programmes, or wider community partnerships. By working with BLCF, your investment goes further — reaching the right local organisations, delivering stronger impact, and building lasting community relationships.
Types of fund you can start with us
Endowment Funds
Endowment funds allow your money to grow over time, meaning that you can support communities year-on-year. Working with a professional fund management company, your invested money will be protected and we will use a portion of this annually to distribute funds. An Endowment Fund ensures your gift is invested for the long term. It provides a permanence to a donation, and is a long-term commitment to the local community. Over time the amount a donor will give to charity through their endowment will surpass the original donation, making it a lasting legacy to the community for
generations to come.
Flow-through Funds
Flow-through Funds can be set up as a one-off fund or as an on-going fund that is topped up regularly, usually annually. This is ideal if a long-term endowment is unsuitable as it enables the donor to put their money to work straightaway. Your donation will be used over an agreed upon time, providing immediate support for our communities. The gift is held in cash, in a restricted fund, to support the causes the donor cares about in the year(s) ahead. To keep a flow-through fund going, the donor adds to the fund in future years.
Trust Transfer
We will act as stewards of your trust, ensuring your money reaches our communities in the way you have asked.
Leave a Legacy
By making Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation a beneficiary of your Will, or part of your estate plan, we can ensure your memory lives on and supports the development of our communities. We can help you through all the sensitivities of deciding how best to make a difference. The Foundation can work now with you, or your Professional Adviser, to ensure that your wishes are met and that your generosity will last for generations to come.
Why work with us?
25 years experience
Experts in maximising the impact of your money
Community-led and driven
UKCF accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
How involved will I be?
Donors can be involved as little or as much as they wish in the grant-making process. Some fund-holders tell us that getting to know the charities they are supporting is one of the most rewarding aspects of giving. Other fund-holders prefer to remain in the background. How much you get involved is entirely up to you, but BLCF will support you through the entire process.
How will BLCF support me?
BLCF will support you by:
• Providing information on effective giving and local needs
• Promoting your fund
• Receiving and processing requests for support
• Assessing and shortlisting suitable projects to receive grants
• Servicing meetings with fund panel members
• Awarding grants, then monitoring and reporting on their effectiveness
• Claiming any eligible Gift Aid and crediting it to your fund
• Investing the fund capital through professional investment managers [Endowment Funds only]
• Providing fund statements and reports.
Which type of fund should I start?
Each type of fund can be used to support your goals. We can work with you to discuss the pros and cons of each fund with your vision in mind. To discuss further, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
