We provide the following grants for third sector organisations, rural organisations, voluntary and community groups.
Community Chest Fund
Financial assistance of up to £1,000 is available to applicants throughout the year subject to funds being available.
Please read the criteria on the application form to ensure that you are eligible to apply and read the Community Chest guidelines (PDF) before applying.
Apply for Community Chest Funding
Please email electronic copies of supporting documents to accompany your application to CommunityWelfare@bedford.gov.uk.
The House of Industry Estate
The House of Industry Estate is a charitable trust which is administered by the Council. Assistance is available to applicants throughout the year subject to funds being available. Grants are normally only awarded to registered charities.
The guidelines to determine awards granted by the House of Industry, were revised in September 2024. This was to assist new charities within Bedford Borough who support Bedford Borough residents in need, hardship and distress, the opportunity to apply for funding. Please make sure you are eligible to apply by reading the House of Industry Estate guidelines (PDF) before you apply.
Email electronic copies of supporting documents to accompany a House of Industry Estate application to CommunityWelfare@bedford.gov.uk.
House of Industry Estate application
Rural Grants Scheme
Applications for funding are invited from rural organisations or rural Parish Councils for capital expenditure. Applications can be submitted at any time, although they are normally considered by the Rural Affairs Committee three times a year, subject to funds being available. Please also note that all applications must be submitted through the relevant Parish Council.
Please read through the criteria for Rural Grant assistance (PDF) to ensure that you are eligible to apply.
Rural Grants Scheme application
If you have any problems accessing your saved form or any other problems with the form, please email CommunityWelfare@bedford.gov.uk.