History of Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation

The formation of the Community Foundation was the idea of Geoffrey Farr (when High Sheriff), Sam Whitbread (Lord Lieutenant) and Bishop John of Bedford.  They realised the importance of the voluntary sector and heard how such groups were under pressure to continue their work as funds dried up.

The Trustees developed a small endowment fund and raised income for core costs. This enabled the appointment of a part time Director from November 2002 to develop the Foundation and establish a base for grant giving throughout the county.

Grant making was extended with continued income from the endowment fund, plus funding from local businesses and individuals.

In January 2003 the Foundation was appointed as the local agent for the Fair Share Trust, a fund to be spent in Dallow Ward, Luton by November 2013. www.communityfoundations.org.uk/fair_share_public.php

In February 2005, the Foundation was appointed as local agent for Sport Relief, having access to £18,000 of funds a year to give out to sport related projects in the county.

In February 2005, John Worboys took over as Chairman.

In November 2005 it was recognised that to move the Foundation on, it was necessary to expand and Mark West was appointed to the full time post of Chief Executive.

Grant making has increased year on year, from £42,000 in 2005-06 to £325,000 in 2007-08. In 2008-09, this figure exceeded £500,000 and is expected to do so in 2009-10 as well.

In 2007 we became Quality Accredited by the Community Foundation Network to standards endorsed by the Charity Commission.

In 2008, the Foundation won the Grassroots Grants contract for the area and this will enable us to make additional grants of almost £750,000 by March 2011 and also to create a charitable trust worth some £2 million.

John Worboys stood down as Chair in December 2008, being replaced by Malcolm Newman, with Wendi Momen tkaing up the post of Vice Chair.

We are members of CFEast which is a consortium of Foundations in the East of England that works in partnership to obtain funds for the region and lobbies on behalf of regional issues.