Recipients of Armed Forces Community Fund announced

Six worthy organisations have each been awarded a share of £20,000 from our first Armed Forces Community Fund.

We recently invited UK-based organisations, including Cadet organisations, military charities, and projects that promote mental health and wellbeing to veterans and their families, to apply for grants between £2,500 and £5,000 via ActionFunder.

The fund builds upon our long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces, supporting those who serve, have served and the wider Forces community. 

A range of projects have been selected, from emotional support for veterans to a programme delivering educational talks to schools and youth groups – a full outline of those we’re supporting is included below. 

Mike Hickson, Managing Director of Defence, said: “We have been thrilled by the number of applications, and selecting the most deserving was a challenging task - we wish we could have supported them all. 

“I am so proud to work for a company that recognises the service of Veterans and their families. These funds will have a huge impact across many communities and organisations. In our drive for Armed Forces Covenant Gold status, it is excellent to see us supporting those who have given so much.” 

Our recipients

Dingley’s Promise: Tidworth SEND centre 

Dingley’s Promise supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.  

Our money will support a project being rolled out at their new Tidworth Centre to ensure military children with SEND can access high-quality, inclusive early years support close to home. 

Veterans Aid: Welfare to Wellbeing 

Veterans Aid (VA) supports over 600 veterans annually who are homeless or at risk, and are the UK’s only physical operations centre offering face-to-face help five days a week and remote support 24/7. Known as the ‘A&E of the veterans world’, the centre is a lifeline and can house a veteran within minutes of arrival.  

Commonwealth War Graves Foundation: The Speakers and Tour Guide Programme 

Delivered by 300 volunteers, including veterans, the programme gives free tours and talks to around 28,000 people each year – including a large number of young people - sharing stories of some of the 1.7 million Commonwealth service men and women who died in the World Wars. 

Just What We Need for Veterans 

The charity provides four-hour workshops to veterans and their families in Milton Keynes – it’s accessible, trauma-informed, community-based support that helps them build resilience, communicate better, and cope together. 

We’re helping to fund two workshops - JWWN-V for veterans and JWWN-FF for families.  

Family Activity Breaks 

Family Activity Breaks (FAB) offers fun and supportive activity camps for bereaved military families, providing a much-needed respite and opportunities to connect with others who have experienced similar losses. 

With our support, they’ll be able to provide follow-up counselling sessions, supporting families in maintaining their connections and navigating their grief journeys, enabling FAB to provide a year-round provision. 

Walking with the Wounded: National Care Coordination Programme 

Walking with the Wounded offers a helping hand and a range of logistical support to veterans, who are statistically proven to have lower levels of wellbeing than the rest of the population. 

Our contribution will help fund their National Care Coordination Programme.