About the Special Community Events Award Fund
Luton Rising is a business and social enterprise that works in, for and is owned by the community – our sole shareholder is Luton Council. Our largest asset is London Luton Airport, and we are proud that we are owners of by far the most socially impactful airport in the country, supporting and improving lives across the communities we serve. We make a major economic contribution to our local region, and aim to be one of the greenest airports.
We are tremendously proud of our track record of success and capital investment in the fabric of our local communities. As a direct result of our public ownership, since 1998 we have provided more than £257m to support vital local front-line services, together with an additional £155m for community investment projects that have transformed the lives of tens of thousands of vulnerable people. Indeed, this level of local social impact is on a scale well beyond that of any other UK airport operator – more than 20 times.
This unique community investment programme now has an annual budget of approximately £8.5m. We also have a Community Engagement Programme to thank the people of Luton for their support of the airport. This supports community festivals such as the Luton Carnival, the Luton Mela, the Luton Fireworks and number of other annual events.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, a number of our community festivals couldn’t take place. To celebrate a return to our full events programme and building on the desire for hyper-local neighbourhood activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Luton Rising has established an event community award fund for 2022 to support hyper-local neighbourhood activity such as street parties, community wards events, fetes etc.
How much funding is available?
The budget set aside is £100,000, and the proposal is to run three award rounds. Applicants can apply for up to £10,000. The full criteria and guidance is set out below. The aim of the fund is to provide awards for projects run by community groups based in, or working for, the benefit of people in Luton. Projects which already receive funds from Luton Rising are not eligible to apply.
Who or what will the event fund?
- The fund will accept bids from groups across Luton who wish to organise events in their local community.
- Event organisers will need to demonstrate a safe and good-quality community event that is free for the residents of Luton.
- It should deliver an inclusive event that celebrates heritage and diversity and promotes intercultural exchange and understanding.
- The event should positively promote the ward and Luton as a desirable place to live, work and play.
Alongside this, the event will promote Luton Rising in all event promotional materials and advertisements and at the event itself by ensuring that Luton Rising is acknowledged through the use of logos and acknowledgements on all flyers, posters, printed advertisements and advertisements and during press appearances on radio and television.
What other criteria apply?
Co-Financing
The funds available from this scheme are limited and, in today’s economic climate, all applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are seeking funds from a wide range of sources and through their own efforts.
Groups which have sourced match funding will be looked on more favourably. This match funding can include any combination of the following:
- Income from the group’s own fundraising efforts;
- Awards from other charitable trusts and organisations
- Income from beneficiaries, either through subscriptions, payment for services (if appropriate)
- The value of benefits in kind (e.g. provision of free advice, donated materials etc.);
- Volunteer programme
Who/what will the fund not support?
Application and Award Procedures
Assistance
If you have any difficulties in completing the forms please contact Luke Dwyer (Luke.Dwyer@luton.gov.uk)