Aims/priorities: The funding aims to mitigate the impact of separation and relocation for families of serving personnel and reservists through a place-based (location focused) portfolio of projects.
Projects should focus on serving families (including reservists) affected by service-related separation (for example: deployment, exercises/training, unaccompanied postings, weekending and long-distance commuting, and repeated short-notice time away) or relocation. Addressing emerging needs will be a fundamental part of delivery.
Projects should contribute to lasting and meaningful change within the chosen location, with a clear intention to improve support for serving families over the longer term.
Projects will be expected to meet all of the following outcomes:
- Families feel better equipped to manage and reduce the impact of loneliness or isolation during periods of separation or relocation.
- Improved mental health and wellbeing for serving families through preventative, early help or targeted support.
- Organisations in the local community have a stronger, shared understanding of what types of support work well for serving families, including both preventative and responsive models.
- Families are better able to navigate separation, reintegration and relocation, experiencing fewer challenges as a result of strengthened relationships.
- Enhanced collaboration and streamlined support pathways for the serving community through stronger partnerships and improved service integration.
People with lived experience need to help plan the project.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from:
- UK-based registered charities with substantial recent experience supporting armed forces communities. Charities must have been registered within the UK for at least three years at the time of application.
- Local authorities.
Applicants must work with others (collaboration) as this is essential for this programme. Applicants will need to bring partners together (statutory, non-statutory and the local base/(s)) so that families experience a clearer, simpler support pathway in the chosen place.
Grant amount: Portfolio grants of up to £350,000 are available for a project delivered in a specific location over a period of up to 3.5 years. (Six months to be used as a discovery/development phase.)
Application process: The guidance notes, FAQs, and application questions are available on the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website.
There is a two-stage application process:
- The first stage is to submit an Expression of Interest to act as the lead organisation for a portfolio grant by the deadline of 19 August 2026 (12 noon), with decisions by 30 November 2026.
- In Stage Two, successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application detailing the project work the portfolio will achieve. The deadline for stage two applications is 20 January 2027 (12 noon) with a decision by 31 March 2027.
Deadline: Wednesday, 19 August 2026 (12 noon).
Contact information: Email: info@covenantfund.org.uk
Website: Together for Service Families Place-based grants programme - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust