BIG Local is the major initiative of Local Trust, providing an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas around England to use at least £1m to make their communities and their areas even better places in which to live.
The Plan and Budget for the Kingsbrook and Cauldwell area of Bedford was originally approved by Local Trust at the end of 2014 received over £1 million to fund local schemes over a period of up to ten years. Following consultation with our community in 2021, a new Community Plan has been developed covering years seven to ten of the project with 4 new priorities:
- Future Generations – Young people, Activities, Leadership, Learning
- Parks – Environment, Health, Leisure, Facilities
- Environment and Green Spaces – Street Scene, Climate Growing
- Community – Community Hub, Community Activities, Community Cohesion, Community Learning
In 2024, Local Trust made the decision to change delivery arrangements for Big Local for the final phase of the programme, which ends in March 2026. The 2022 local plan has a number of projects are already in progress, with funding allocated. Bedfordshire CVS (BCVS) will continue to monitor these and ensure the projects are delivered as agreed.
For the remaining unallocated funds - about £160,000 – Local Trust have agreed that these will be allocated towards a ‘Big Local legacy’ grants programme for community organisations working in the Big Local area to apply for. The grants programme criteria will focus on the priorities identified in the 2022 Big Local plan for the area.
Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF), who have significant experience in delivering grants in the area, will manage the grants programme working closely with BCVS. BLCF have a dedicated grants team, who operate within communities, understand the needs and context, and are experienced in managing relationships with local organisations and community groups. The grant application process will be open and transparent. Further information on the grants programme, including the grants criteria and application process will be available by the end of November 2024.
Local Trust has commended the significant achievements and progress made in Kingsbrook and Cauldwell Big Local, especially the hard work of volunteers in steering the programme locally until this year. They are confident the new delivery arrangements provide a sound basis for the successful conclusion of Big Local in the area.
Want to know more?
Please contact the Project Manager, Jayne Macpherson on 01234 880610 or 07939 934687 or by email at jayne@yourfundyoursay.info.