Community groups across Luton can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 through the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation. The Luton Rising Small Grants Fund awards money to not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that align with the town’s key priorities, from economic recovery to environmental sustainability.
Groups must submit an Expression of Interest by Tuesday 29 September 2026. A community panel of local residents will review full applications later in the year, with the final decision-making meeting set for late December. The scheme targets five areas: securing a strong economic recovery, protecting the most disadvantaged residents, making Luton a child-friendly town, becoming greener and more sustainable, and building a strong and empowered community. A virtual Meet the Funder session on Wednesday 12 August at 1.30pm will explain the programme and allow potential applicants to ask questions.
The fund holds an annual budget of £500,000 and forms part of a wider community investment programme worth roughly £7.4 million each year. Luton Rising, the trading name of London Luton Airport Ltd, is solely owned for community benefit and has provided more than £300 million to front-line services since 1998, plus a further £180 million for community projects. The Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, was awarded a four-and-a-half-year contract in 2023 to continue administering the grants.
In the previous round, 17 per cent of groups that submitted Expressions of Interest were invited to make a full application. Of those, 80 per cent were ultimately awarded funding. The money can cover project work, running costs, rent, rates, room hire or capital investment. Around 50 local organisations currently receive support, including Luton Foodbank, Age Concern Luton, The Prince’s Trust and Luton Women’s Aid.
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