Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Apply now for the AF3: Supporting Partners programme

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) are delighted to announce that the Supporting Partners programme is now accepting applications!

Charities, CICs, Armed Forces units and bases, and universities and colleges are invited to apply for grants of between £10,000 and £60,000 for projects which provide support for partners and spouses of serving personnel to reduce the challenges that Service life can sometimes present.

What is the Supporting Partners programme all about?

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), this programme will improve the provision of support available for Service partners and spouses, promote their skills and experience in the workplace and enhance wellbeing.

Thinking of applying? Your project will need to address one or more of the following outcomes:

• Improve the mental health and wellbeing of spouses and partners of serving personnel.
• Raise awareness, including (potential) employers, of the unique challenges spouses and partners can face, and improve access to provision to help overcome these challenges.
• Identify and address known and emerging gaps in provision for spouses and partners of serving personnel, including spouses and partners who are non-UK nationals.
• Provide opportunities for spouses and partners to explore new ways of working, upskill and/or change careers.

The Trust are looking for projects that address the current, emerging and immediate needs of partners and spouses of serving personnel, and that remove barriers to participation and promote inclusivity.

You will need to explain how you have worked with, and consulted, beneficiaries to ensure your project meets their needs and doesn’t duplicate existing provision.

Carol Stone, Director of Grants at the Trust said "This year, we've expanded the outcomes for this partner-focused programme. While employment and upskilling is still an important focus, we have recognised the need to support spouses and partners with their mental health, and to improve awareness of the unique challenges they can face and how these can be mitigated; including for those who are non-UK nationals. We're looking forward to receiving some really great applications that will make a difference to the spouses and partners of our serving personnel."

Find out more

Full details are available on the Trust’s dedicated programme page alongside useful guidance and further information on eligibility. The closing date for applications is 12 noon 8 January 2025.

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk