April 25, 2024
Covenant Fund launches Funding Framework for the next 3 years
Serving Families: On the Move programme 2025-26
Grants up to £50,000 for projects aimed at improving the quality of life for newly relocated service families impacted by relocation due to service life.
Round 1: apply by 12 noon 23 July 2025
Grants up to £50,000
Projects must benefit forces families impacted by relocation
Under the Serving Families: On the Move programme the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award grants of up to £50,000 for one-year projects aimed at improving the quality of life for newly relocated service families impacted by relocation due to service life.
Eligibility
We invite applications from:
- Registered charities
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Local authorities
- Armed Forces units/bases
There is more detailed information about eligibility in the programme guidance available below. It is important that you read the programme guidance carefully before you apply.
What’s available
You can apply for a grant between £5,000 and £50,000 in total towards a project being delivered over a period of up to 12 months.
Themes and priorities
We want to support projects that create opportunities for increased integration by building stronger community links and improving access to existing services for newly arrived or relocated service families only.
Your project will need to contribute towards at least one of these outcomes:
- Families in a new posting have more accessible and sustainable information to support them to settle into a new and unfamiliar location.
- Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area.
- Fewer newly arrived and relocated service families report feeling isolated or lonely and more service families say they have effective support networks.
- Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.
Deadlines and dates to note
There will be two deadlines for applications:
If you apply by 12 noon on 23 July 2025, you’ll receive a decision before the end of September 2025.
If you apply by 12 noon on 17 December 2025, you’ll receive a decision before the end of February 2026.
Guidance and resources
Before making your application to this programme, we strongly recommend you use the helpful resources below to ensure you make the best application you can.
We encourage you to take a look at the application questions before beginning your online application to the Serving Families: On The Move programme.
You can also view the terms and conditions to receiving a grant.
Application questions in word
Please note, this is for reference only and applications can only be made via our online application portal.
Download 73.2 KBFrequently asked questions
Please note, we will add to this list if and when we receive queries from applicants.
No, your project only needs to address one of the outcomes. You may address more than one, however, there is no requirement to meet all four outcomes. We want to see targeted support that makes a difference to newly arrived and relocated families.
Your project must clearly benefit newly arrived or relocated families of current serving armed forces personnel and reservists including RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) who have served on a civilian vessel while it was supporting HM armed forces.
Newly arrived families are those who have recently moved due to a service member’s new assignment, either within the UK or from overseas. Since military families relocate every two to three years, the time considered “newly arrived” can vary depending on their situation and the type of move.
Relocation refers to a move to a new duty station, either in the UK or overseas, as part of military service, and would usually happen every two to three years. Relocation is the broader process of moving, while newly arrived refers to the early stage of adaptation after a move.
Applicants should ensure that their project meets the needs of their intended beneficiary group which requires them to understand their specific needs. You will be asked to demonstrate consultation with serving families within your application form. You may also wish to use the latest community needs analysis to help inform this.
Yes, you can. If the project is for new activities, tell us more about how you identified these plans as appropriate to meet the need in consultation with the families you intend to support. Tell us about how this funding would further develop the scope and capacity of support for the target cohort in your area over the funding period.
Yes, you can. However, whilst we will consider applications from charities that are not armed forces specific, you will be expected to show that you will work in partnership with armed forces organisations. Please see our programme guidance for more information on working with other organisations.
Under this programme delivery must take place within the UK, only.
No, Trust funds cannot be used for the benefit of only one person, or for making grants or donations of money or items of value to individuals or families. Please refer to the programme guidance for further information on how funding can and cannot be used.
We’re updating the way you apply for grants!
Our new grants portal makes the application process simpler and more user-friendly. Click here for a step-by-step guide and tips to help you get started.
Ready to apply?
If you’ve read the guidance and are ready to begin your application, please click below.
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