GrantRadar

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation

Luton Citizens' Fund (Round 6)

A participatory budgeting fund from Luton Council and Luton Rising, administered by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, giving grants of up to £3,500 to Luton-based not-for-profit groups with an annual income under £250,000. Round 6 prioritises Jobs (employment, education, training, mentoring and life skills) and Safety and civic pride, under the Luton 2040 vision. Shortlisted groups present at a public Decision Day in one of five Luton areas, where local residents vote on which projects are funded. Round 6 has £105,000 in total across the five areas.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £3,500
Closes in
5 days left
23 October
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Registered charities and other not-for-profit groups based in Luton making a positive difference to people in the community (for example community groups, sports groups, PTAs)
  • Minimum requirements (all must be met): a constitution or other governing document in the organisation's name; a committee of at least 3 unrelated Trustees / Directors (no-one with 'significant control'); a bank account in the organisation's name (recent statement, at least two unrelated signatories per the page); and not having received funds from all 3 previous rounds of the Luton Citizens' Fund unless annual turnover is under £50,000 (one or two previous rounds is fine)
  • You must also show sound financial management with no significant unrestricted reserves that could reasonably fund the activity; annual income under £250,000 (excluding educational establishments); a project not already funded by BLCF, Luton Rising or Luton Council (or separately applied for to BLCF); a clear plan to support residents in at least one of the ward areas bid for; up-to-date safeguarding and equality/equal opportunities policies; and a plan for how the activity will continue or end after the grant
  • CICs limited by shares are excluded
  • Projects can apply to only one of the five areas (Central, North, East, South, West, each a group of Luton wards) and one theme
  • At least one representative must be able to attend the public Decision Day if shortlisted

What it funds

Projects addressing themes linked to the Luton 2040 plan, prioritising:

  • Jobs – helping people into employment, education or training, mentoring and life skills
  • Safety and civic pride – helping people feel safer by countering anti-social behaviour, building a sense of pride and belonging, and contributing positively to the wider community
  • Projects that improve neighbourhoods and local environments through community action and education
  • Other projects that could contribute to wider Luton 2040 priorities (get in touch to discuss before applying)
  • Core costs (essential running expenses like rent, utilities and staff costs), up to 15% of the grant

What it will not fund

  • Individuals
  • Organisations based outside of Luton
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by shares
  • Profit-making organisations
  • Organisations or activities that promote political parties or religion (activities that demonstrate wider public benefit are funded)
  • Professional marketing / advertising and fundraising
  • Costs incurred prior to grant approval
  • General appeals or sponsorship
  • Animal welfare, unless the project directly benefits people
  • Trips and / or fundraising events
  • A project which has already been funded by BLCF, Luton Rising or Luton Council (or separately applied for BLCF funding)

How to apply

  1. Read the Round 6 criteria document and check you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements (contact grants@blcf.org.uk if unsure)
  2. Choose one area (Central, North, East, South or West, by Luton ward) and one theme for your project; for help, contact Luton Council's Social Inclusion Team officer for your area (named in the criteria)
  3. Complete the online application form (UK Community Foundations Salesforce form linked from the fund page) with a full budget breakdown and supporting documents, by 12pm midday on Friday 23 October 2026
  4. Shortlisting panel (criteria says 14 January)
  5. Shortlisted organisations present at a public Decision Day in the area where the project will be delivered, on the morning of Saturday 6 February 2027 (9am to 12.30pm); local residents vote on which projects are funded
  6. Organisations are notified of the outcome within 2 weeks of the Decision Day; awards are subject to terms in a formal BLCF offer letter

All funded work must start before the end of March 2027; the criteria give 31/12/2027 as the deadline for funds to be spent.

Successful applicants complete an end-of-grant report, including receipts.

The Meet the Funder sessions (16 and 22 September 2026) have already taken place.

Have ready

  • Full budget breakdown for the project or activity
  • Annual accounts
  • Governing document
  • Bank statement (within the last 2 months)
  • Equal opportunity policy
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Trustees and directors (names, roles, confirmation of any related trustees / directors and any other potential conflicts of interest)
  • 2 quotes for any items or works over £200

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