Community groups in Luton are being invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to fund projects aimed at tackling racism, bringing communities together and building resilience.
Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has launched the third phase of his Grassroots Innovation Fund, offering one-off grants of between £100 and £5,000 to voluntary, grassroots and community organisations.
The latest funding round follows two previous phases which have supported more than 60 projects across Bedfordshire. Groups do not have to be established organisations to apply, with applications also welcomed from people coming together specifically to deliver a new project.
Mr Tizard said tackling racism and promoting community cohesion were particularly important at a time when he said hate crime was increasing.
“Tackling racism and promoting anti-racism and community cohesion are critical objectives across Bedfordshire,” he said.
“Strong, cohesive and resilient communities are essential to building a safer and more inclusive society.
“Community groups and voluntary organisations demonstrate every day the value of collective action, civic responsibility and neighbourliness. I wish to support them to make a difference.”
He added: “Hate crime, racism especially antisemitism and islamophobia are on the increase. This is the time to stand up against racism and hatred. I very much hope that through the Grassroots Innovation Fund we will be supporting some amazing projects to make our communities more inclusive, resilient and safer.”
The fund is intended to support locally led projects which address issues identified by communities themselves, with the application process designed to be relatively simple to reduce barriers for smaller organisations.
Mr Tizard urged groups in Luton and elsewhere in Bedfordshire to put forward creative ideas.
“I would urge any group with a passion for bringing people together and strengthening their local community by promoting anti-racism and championing community cohesion to submit bids. I am looking for innovative and creative proposals.”
The Commissioner also highlighted a link between his fund and a similar initiative recently launched by Luton Council.
“This latest phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund complements the Community Cohesion and Resilience Fund recently launched by Luton Council,” he said.
“My team and Luton Council are working closely together on these initiatives, which demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting grassroots organisations that promote community cohesion, challenge racism and build resilience within our communities.”
Projects funded through the latest scheme must be new and distinct. Organisations which have previously received Grassroots Innovation Fund money can apply again but cannot use the funding simply to continue an existing project.
Applications close at midday on Monday, October 12, 2026. Grants are available from £100 to £5,000 and applicants are encouraged to consider how projects could continue beyond the period covered by the funding.
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