The Harpur Trust

We were proud to sponsor the Pakistan Culture & Heritage Festival 2026 in Bedford, supporting an event that brought together almost 300 people to celebrate and share Pakistani heritage, strengthening connections across different communities, cultures and faiths.

As a sponsor, it was a privilege to contribute to a festival that not only celebrated Pakistan's 79th Independence Day, but also created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. Bedford has a proud history of diversity which many places could learn from, and it’s opportunities for conversations like this which help keep our community a positive and inclusive one.

We take great pride in supporting initiatives like this that make a positive impact and bring people together, and this festival was a wonderful example of how culture can unite communities through shared experiences, conversation and understanding. From traditional food and music to cultural performances, it was inspiring to see so many people celebrating diversity, inclusion and togetherness.

Thank you to the British Pakistani Welfare Association for organising such a meaningful event and for bringing our community priority “ Stronger Communities” to life.

We’re looking forward to the Wootton Food & Music Festival on Saturday (22 August) we’re sponsoring for the community to come together on Harris Way Playing Fields.

Alongside live bands and entertainment throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a fantastic selection of food and drink from local vendors. There will also be plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, including inflatables and family-friendly activities.

We're delighted to support an event that strengthens community connections and creates opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy a fantastic day together.

We are proud to sponsor the British Pakistani Welfare Association Culture & Heritage Festival this Sunday (16 August), at 1pm, at Great Denham Community Hall. The festival aims to bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the rich heritage of Pakistan and the diversity that makes Bedford such a vibrant community.

Experience Pakistani culture, share food and enjoy live Qawwali at this special event, which BPWA describes as an afternoon dedicated to building friendships, encouraging understanding and strengthening community connections.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and join in the celebrations!

Today is the deadline to submit your applications for our Grants Committee meeting being held on 23 September. Don't worry if you've missed this deadline, please visit https://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/apply-for-help/grants-for-charities-and-community-groups/how-to-apply/ to see the deadlines for 2026.

We're hiring!

We are looking for a Billing Manager to join our Finance Department at The Harpur Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee our billing operations, manage a small team, and play a key role in ensuring accurate and efficient billing processes for Harpur Trust Schools.

We're looking for someone with strong billing or financial operations experience, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service to our schools and families

Closing date: 17 August 2026

Find out more and apply online: www.harpurtrust.org.uk/work-for-us

We're tendering for a community consultation partner to help us listen to the people of Bedford and understand what it's like to live, work and grow up in our borough today.

In 2022 The Harpur Trust launched its 15-year strategy, Together for Bedford, shaped by the views and experiences of local people. Those conversations helped create Bedford Giving, a movement bringing people and organisations together to improve opportunities for children and young people.

Four years on, we want to hear from our communities again. Have local needs changed? Are we focusing on the right priorities? What impact have The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving had so far, and what more could we do?

We're seeking a partner who can engage a diverse cross-section of Bedford residents, especially seldom-heard voices, and help us build a picture of the borough’s strengths, challenges and aspirations for the future.

If you share our passion for Bedford and our commitment to ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping its future, we'd love to hear from you.

Read more: www.harpurtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tender-Community-Consultation-2026.pdf

Deadline: 9 September 2026, 12 noon

Submit proposals to: [email protected]

We celebrated the incredible organisations helping people across the borough build connections, combat loneliness and create a sense of belonging, as part of International Day of Friendship yesterday.
We're proud to support a number of fantastic charities through our grant funding, each demonstrating the true value of friendship in their own unique way.

- Woodside Church Project 41 Befriending Service - befrienders meet with isolated members of the community and help to link them with their local community.
- FLAG Bedford (Friendship Link & Action Group) creates opportunities for adults with a physical or learning disability and/or sensory impairment to connect, support one another and actively participate in their communities.
- Caribbean Senior Citizens Association provides friendship, companionship and social activities that help older people remain connected, supported and valued.

Every day, these organisations help individuals create connections, making Bedford a kinder, stronger and more connected place to live. We’d like to thank our grantees for the important work they do to bring people together and ensure no one feels alone.

Are you a charity or voluntary group looking for funding for a based project?
Our next application deadline to apply for funding is Monday 10 August. For more information on how to apply visit
https://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/apply-for-help/grants-for-charities-and-community-groups/

Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we are proud to highlight the incredible work of Azalea Luton and our support through grant funding.

Azalea is a charity that works to support and empower survivors of s*x trafficking and modern slavery, providing practical help, recovery services, advocacy, and pathways towards sustainable freedom and transformation.

We are proud to support organisations like Azalea through our grant funding, helping them continue this vital work and make a lasting difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand with Azalea and everyone working to end human trafficking and modern slavery.

Learn more about Azalea and their work: https://www.azalea.org.uk/about

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Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, but we know it can also bring extra costs for families. That's why we are offering a £65 school uniform grant to support pupils who are eligible for free school meals across Bedford.

This means and includes, a £65 uniform voucher for eligible pupils which is issued through your child’s new secondary school. The voucher can be used towards required school uniform items.

To receive the voucher please contact your child’s new secondary school directly to arrange receiving your voucher and to find out how it can be used. Guidance on how to redeem the voucher will be provided by the school.

At The Harpur Trust, supporting young people and widening access to opportunity is at the heart of what we do. We hope this grant helps ease financial pressures and ensures every child can start secondary school feeling confident, included and ready to thrive.

For more information, please get in touch with your child’s new school.