Apply for funding or sponsorship

How our community support is allocated

Our funding programme consists of separate funds, each designed to provide a form of funding suitable to a specific purpose:

Funds managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation

The following three funds are administered by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation

Community Investment Fund

With an annual budget of approximately £4m, the Community Investment Fund provides significant and sustainable funding to ‘outcomes partners’ – charitable organisations having a major and key role in contributing to the delivery of priority outcomes in the medium-to-long-term.

Luton Rising Small Grants Fund

With an annual budget of £500,000, this Fund provides small grants of up to £10,000, generally but not necessarily limited to one year only to support community and voluntary activity in Luton. Assistance maybe sought for project work, running costs, support with rent, rates or room hire, and capital investment. Depending on the availability of funding, a limited number of donations of up to £25,000 may be made. Apply here.

Luton Rising Near Neighbour Fund

This fund provides one-year grants to support community and voluntary organisations in the communities outside the Borough of Luton, that are most affected by airport operations. Apply here.

Read more about our Community Funding

Sponsorship fund administered directly by Luton Rising

Luton Rising provides sponsorship for selected events or initiatives each year through our annual Sponsorship Fund. This fund prioritises one-off events and initiatives that align with our key focus areas:

• Sport: Will your initiative promote physical activity, or provide access to sports for underserved groups in Luton?
• Health: Does your project improve mental or physical well-being, tackle health inequalities, or encourage healthier lifestyles in the local community?
• Education: Are you delivering opportunities for learning, skill development, or tackling barriers to education for the people of Luton?

Applicants should provide a detailed breakdown of their project’s budget and any additional supporting materials that strengthen their case.

How to Apply for Sponsorship

1. Download Luton Rising Sponsorship Application Form
2. Complete the form and submit it via email to Luton Rising info@lutonrising.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can send it via post to: Luton Rising, Hart House Business Centre, Kimpton Road, Luton, LU2 0LA.

Our financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Applications for funding are welcome throughout the year but cannot be approved if funds are no longer available, therefore interested parties are advised to register their interest as early as possible. The committee will meet monthly to review applications received.

Sponsorship of an annual programme of events managed by Luton Council

Luton Rising provides funding to Luton Council each year for an annual programme of community events, where we serve as the main sponsor. For more information about these events and how they are selected, contact Luton Council directly: events@luton.gov.uk