Bedford Borough Council is offering grants of up to £500 to support local partners with costs associated with running a Welcoming Space.
Grant funding for welcoming spaces that are accessible to all, non-judgemental and inclusive can cover any of the associated costs listed below:
- utility bills, including gas and electricity
- staff time
- volunteer expenses
- venue hire
- equipment or furniture (for example extra chairs) for the welcoming space
- the provision of drinks and food for those accessing the welcoming space
Application criteria
You do not have to represent a registered charity, but you do need:
- a bank account or a partner organisation willing to hold the money for you
- a safeguarding policy, public liability insurance, and a hygiene certificate if relevant
- to offer access to the Welcoming Space free of charge and offer free light refreshments eg tea, coffee, squash
- to include any charges that will be applied to activities when describing what is available when attending your Welcoming Space
- to ensure the space is warm ie minimum of 20°C
- to spend the grant by 31 March 2026
- to agree to include details about your Welcoming Space on the Bedford Borough Council website
- to provide monthly updates of the number of residents accessing the Welcoming Space
How to apply for a Welcoming Spaces grant
Please complete the Welcoming Spaces grant application form (Word) and return by email to public.health@bedford.gov.uk.
Deadline for applications is 31 January 2026.