Luton's community groups urged to apply for share of £480k Pride in Place funding
Community groups across Luton could get nearly half a million pounds in funding to improve the places that matter most to people.
The Community Venue and Spaces Improvement Fund is offering £480,000 to invest in projects in the town.
Hundreds of residents gave their opinions in a survey by the town MPs, Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins, which led to the creation of a new local fund.
The money is part of the £1.5 million secured for the town through the government’s Pride in Place programme.
Organisations that are eligible, including charities, further education institutions, and voluntary organisations, can bid for grants of between £1,000 and £30,000 for projects that will make a lasting difference to community buildings and spaces.
Grants can be used for a range of projects from revamping community venues and sports facilities, to creating community gardens and helping organisations buy disused assets.
The money can also go towards improving art galleries, theatres, museums, and libraries.
Applications are open now and have to be submitted by Thursday, July 31. Funded projects need to be completed by March 31 2027.
Leader of Luton Borough Council, Cllr Tahmina Saleem, said: “Our communities are full of people who care deeply about where they live and want to see a positive difference in their neighbourhoods, and this funding is a fantastic opportunity to translate ambitions into reality.
"Whether it's giving a tired set of railings a lick of paint, upgrading a community hall, enhancing a green space, refreshing facilities or creating a public space that brings people together, these grants can help unleash our communities’ passion for place and to deliver legacy projects for all our local residents."
Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, said she was proud to have secured the money. I’m proud to have secured this cash, and I look forward to local residents using it to improve the area we love.”
Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, explained: “Investing in the places at the heart of our communities, so they can continue bringing people together and serving local residents for years to come, is at the heart of what the Government’s Pride in Place programme represents.
“I encourage all community organisations, big or small, to make an application.”
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