The Armed Forces Covenant Trust: Force for Change Programme
Overview
Through this programme, they fund projects which make a real difference to Armed Forces communities locally. They will support projects that offer support to Armed Forces communities to help with needs that may not have been addressed in the past. This can also include funding for pilot projects; or to try new ways of offering local support. It can also include projects that build on earlier work that you have done
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, your organisation must be one of the following.
- A registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities and have been registered for at least one year at the time of your application.
- An Armed Forces unit or base.
- A local authority.
- A school.
- A statutory body that delivers or co-ordinates NHS care
What’s available
- One year grants of up to £15,000
Themes and priorities
Under this programme, they would like to make small grants that make a big difference.
They want to make a big difference to Armed Forces communities that are facing particular challenges due to cost-of-living challenges, or where there are hidden or complex needs within local Armed Forces communities and a local project could help address problems that vulnerable people are facing.
If you apply for a grant, you need to show how this would help specifically help to address compelling or specific needs in a meaningful way; and where you can clearly tell us about the current gap that exists in provision and why this project might help.
Your project will need to meet the following aims.
- Address a specific need, with evidence of how the need has been identified, for Armed Forces communities within your local area.
- Be able to be completed within a year or less.
- Be able to show that the people who will benefit from your project, from Armed Forces communities, have helped to design the project, and would take part if you received funding.
- Have a clear impact, which lasts beyond the life of your grant.
What type of project are they looking for?
Your project idea does not have to be new.
This programme welcomes continuation or extensions of existing work, where this provides a clear benefit. This can also include funding for pilot projects; or new ways of offering local support. It can also include projects that build on earlier work or focus on vulnerable Armed Forces communities who may have been impacted by cost-of-living challenges.
They will fund a wide range of projects under this programme.
Your application will need to show the following.
- Your project is needed and targeted: You should be able to clearly explain how the need for this project has been identified and how you will target the people who have the greatest need for support including needs related to cost-of-living challenges.
- It was developed with people from Armed Forces communities: Show them how the idea for your project has been shaped by the people it will benefit. They can consider projects that support serving personnel, veterans, and Armed Forces families.
- It does not duplicate and is complementary to existing local provision: Please show them how your project fills a gap in local support.
- It will support longer-term change: This means there should be a wider impact to your work, which will endure beyond the life of your grant. Your project should show that it offers a positive benefit to members of Armed Forces communities.
They also need to be able to see that you have the skills and experience necessary to be able to carry out your project. You can work together with other organisations as part of your project. There is more information on working with others later in their guidance. It is important that the projects they award funding to complement one another, rather than duplicate provision. You’ll be asked in your application form how you will ensure this
Further Information & Guidance
Example Costs and Activities Covered
Your project might include the following costs.
- Staff time for this fixed-term project. This could be direct project work or for admin or to manage volunteers that may be involved in your project.
- Sessional staff or freelancers that you may need to run your project and activity.
- Reasonable travel costs including fares or mileage for project staff, volunteers or beneficiaries to enable participation in the project.
- Purchasing items that can enable activities to take place. This may include art materials, sports/games/outdoor equipment, supplies for breakfast or social hubs.
- Purchasing items that will help you to deliver your project, such as additional telephones or laptops.
- Reasonable costs for storing and transporting items, including wear and tear on private vehicles.
- Reasonable overheads, which reflect the cost to your organisation of delivering this project, taking account of recent cost increases.
Activities may include:
- Information, advice & guidance, including debt advice where this doesn’t duplicate other local projects.
- Projects connecting isolated and vulnerable veterans and Armed Forces families with advice or welfare support that could have a positive impact.
- Projects which help armed forces families with needs connected to cost of living challenges such as debt advice or mental wellbeing.
- Activities which will improve quality of life. This is not an exhaustive list and is for guidance only.