£15,000 fund opens to back Luton’s community projects

A total of £15,000 is available through the Better Luton Environment Fund, delivered by SUEZ as part of its social value commitment, with grants of up to £3,000 available for eligible projects.

The fund has been generated through the success of Luton Council’s reuse shops at local recycling centres, where pre-loved items are resold instead of being thrown away, helping to reduce waste and raise money for community projects. 

Funding is open to constituted community, voluntary and environmental groups, charities, schools and other not-for-profit organisations. Eligible projects must deliver clear environmental benefits, such as improving green spaces, reducing waste, increasing recycling or encouraging environmental action.

Funding can be used for equipment, materials or training needed to deliver the project. Projects must be completed by 31 May 2027. 

Councillor Javeria Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Waste Management, said: “This fund is a direct result of residents donating and buying items through our reuse shops, helping turn unwanted items into real community benefit. It means we can reinvest locally into projects that make Luton cleaner, greener and more sustainable for everyone.

“Residents can continue to support initiatives like this community fund by making use of the reuse shops at local recycling centres. 

“I encourage all eligible groups to apply for funding and look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have across our town.”

Jon Melling, Operations Manager for SUEZ, said: “Reuse is one of the best things we can do with our waste. Not only does it reduce the impact on valuable resources and the environment, but through the reuse shops and this fund it will also help to benefit our local communities.”

Applications will be shortlisted and assessed by representatives from Luton Council and SUEZ.

The fund is now open for applications via the Action Funder platform. The deadline for applications is 29 June 2026. To apply, organisations must sign up to Action Funder and submit details of their project through the platform.

Find out more about the reuse shops or plan a visit via the council's website.