Leaving a positive legacy
One of our main objectives is to leave a positive legacy. We are already providing a range of benefits as part of the main scheme. We want to work directly with partners such as local authorities, parish councils and community groups from the beginning to shape a legacy that adds value and supports local initiatives.
Community projects set to receive £400,000 worth of grants
Eleven organisations in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire will have their community projects brought to life thanks to funding from the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Improvements legacy fund.
We launched our £2 million legacy fund late last year with the aim of leaving a lasting positive impact in the local community that transcends asphalt, steel and concrete.
Making a change in the community
During our first application window held over the winter, we received over 80 applications to two funds that make up our legacy fund - the Social Value Fund and Community Fund.
Successful initiatives from our Social Value Fund are:
Potton Primary School
Creating a sensory garden for children to enjoy outdoor activities in an accessible space.
Eaton Socon Cricket Club
Upgrading facilities to be more inclusive for all community members.
St Neots Museum
Developing two immersive digital experiences showcasing historic archaeological finds.
VegFest Schools Growing Programme
Establishing food-growing spaces in eight primary schools in St Neots.
Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust
Purchasing equipment for real-time river pollution monitoring.
Roxton Village Hall & Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group
Installing solar panels to enhance sustainability.
Other supported initiatives
The Community Fund is also backing several other initiatives, including:
CHUMS Charity
Providing therapeutic programs for 48 children and young people in Bedfordshire.
The Croydon Reading Room
Installing a hearing loop in Royston.
The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs, and Northants
Hosting hands-on nature conservation events for 400 participants.
Overloaded
Developing new facilities at Overload Farm in Bedford for 60 young people with anxiety or school attendance issues.
Calling for new applications
Do you have an initiative that could benefit from our legacy funds?
We’re currently accepting applications to both our Social Value Fund and Community Fund. All non-for-profit groups or organisations in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire can apply, including but not limited to local schools, charities, community groups, and environment groups.
Grants for the Social Value Fund are from £15,000 to £200,000, with the deadline to submit an expression of interest on Monday 15 July.
For smaller scale projects, the Community Fund offers grants of up to £15,000, with the deadline for applications on Thursday 1 August.
For details on funding criteria and how to apply, visit our Social Value Fund and Community Fund page.
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