Local Authorities: Force for Change
Local Authorities: Force for Change
Sonia Howe, our Director of Policy explores how funding from the Trust can support projects delivered by local authorities
2020 has been a complex year. When the UK lock down began in March 2020, at the Trust we shifted our grant making programmes to provide immediate support to people from armed forces communities that had been most impacted by the pandemic.
With Local Authorities heavily involved in Covid response work, we did not feel that this was the right time to run a strategic programme which would require more complexity in the bidding process. We are instead, actively encouraging Local Authorities to apply to the Force for Change programme, and have increased the overall programme budget accordingly. Force for Change supports local projects that reduce isolation in Armed Forces communities.
This programme has a simple application form, and you can apply for up to £20,000, for a project that lasts up to 12 months. You do not have to apply in clusters, and can apply for work that builds on earlier work you have done through the Strengthening Delivery of the Covenant Programme, through other work you have been involved with or for a completely new idea. Your project will however, need to should that it is delivering a direct benefit to people from Armed Forces communities, and that it will help to reduce isolation.
Find out more about the Force for Change programme by visiting the programme pages.
What types of projects can be supported?
We’ ll fund a wide range of projects under this programme. However, you must be able to show us that your project fits under one of these two main themes.
- Empowering Armed Forces communities to become more engaged in their local area.
- Providing opportunities for isolated members of the Armed Forces community to take part in activities that improve general wellbeing.
This programme will remain open until noon on 30 November 2020.
To be considered in Round 1, you’ll need to have your application to us by noon on Friday 11 September 2020 and can expect to receive a decision in late November 2020.
To be considered in Round 2, you’ll need to have your application to us by noon on Monday 30 November 2020 and can expect to receive a decision before the end of February 2021.