A message from our Chief Executive, Anna Wright
As we reach the end of a very busy year, I’d like to share some thoughts from my first twelve months at the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
When I came to the Trust, I thought that I had a good understanding of the work that it supported, particularly for families. However, since I joined, my eyes have really been opened through talking with our applicants and grant holders, engaging with stakeholders and working alongside the amazing staff at the Trust.
Since 2015, over £140M has been distributed in total to over 2,300 projects, and £98M of this was awarded to 1,181 projects supporting veterans.
This year I have had the privilege of visiting projects in all four nations of the UK and have been humbled by the inspiring work that is being carried out by the military charity sector, wider charities working with Armed Forces specific organisations, local authorities, schools and hospitals in support of our community.
I’ve seen a holistic approach to addressing serious trauma succeeding where other approaches had failed. I’ve seen thoughtful and creative programmes that involve veterans and families supporting others; with all benefitting from the joy of camaraderie which is so valuable to mental wellbeing. I’ve seen innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable veterans that lead to sustainable outcomes.
Since 2015, over £140M has been distributed in total to over 2,300 projects, and £98M of this was awarded to 1,181 projects supporting veterans.
Supporting those who provide frontline support
I have been struck by the professionalism and dedication of the Trust team. Their focus is to serve the beneficiaries and that includes all members of the Armed Forces community. It encompasses those serving in all three Services, including Reservists, and their families, those who have served and their families, and the bereaved. And the support can be for any stage in their lives.
The team achieve this through supporting those who provide frontline support, by designing and delivering grant programmes that respond to the demand signal from the frontline. This is informed by research and engagement, and through delivering rigorously fair and transparent grant making. I feel very proud and privileged to have joined this team of grant making professionals who are devoted to serving the Armed Forces community and those who support them.
A look ahead
Looking ahead, 2023 is likely to contain challenges for our community. We have already seen a significant increase in organisations seeking funding. We will continue to learn from the grants that we’ve made and share this learning more widely.
But 2023 will also bring opportunities for us to support more innovative work that supports our community. I’m particularly excited to be working with the MOD to facilitate grant programmes that will support the delivery of the new Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). This includes an innovative funding programme to support spouses and partners; funding to support Service children affected by being highly mobile and those experiencing high levels of separation; and support for early years education.
