Awards Made
No awards have been made under this programme yet.
Frequently asked questions
Please note, we will add to this list if and when we receive queries from applicants.
What is the application process for this programme?
This programme uses a two-stage application process. At stage one organisations must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Following assessment, and review by our Trustees, successful bidders will be invited to submit a full application, others will be declined. The second stage, a full application, will require more detail about the planned project. These applications will be assessed and considered by our Trustees. If a full application is approved by Trustees, funding will be awarded and the project will then move into delivery.
Is applying for an Expression of Interest a guarantee that we will be invited to submit a full application?
No. An Expression of Interest does not guarantee an invitation to submit a full application. EOIs will be assessed competitively, and only those that best meet the programme aims, outcomes and criteria will be invited to progress to the next stage.
Is being asked to submit a full application a guarantee of funding?
No. The second stage will also be a competitive process and the Trustees may not be able to fund all applications that fully meet the programme aims.
Does this programme include a discovery or development phase?
Yes. Successful projects will be expected to include a discovery or development phase at the start of the funded period. This phase should be used to deepen engagement with serving families and local stakeholders, confirm needs, formalise partnerships and refine delivery plans before full delivery begins.
If our learning during the discovery phase changes our delivery plans, is that acceptable?
Yes. Learning and refinement are expected. Any changes should remain aligned with the programme aims, outcomes, target beneficiaries and place, and be clearly informed by evidence gathered.
Does being awarded funding guarantee long-term or future funding?
No. Funding is awarded for the approved project and timeframe only. There is no guarantee of future or additional funding beyond the grant awarded.
What is a portfolio grant?
A portfolio grant is awarded to a single lead organisation (the Portfolio Lead), which holds the funding and coordinates a number of funded and unfunded delivery partners in a defined place, all working together to deliver the programme outcomes.
Can the Portfolio Lead also deliver services?
Yes. The Portfolio Lead may deliver services directly, as well as coordinating the portfolio. However, we would not expect all delivery or all grant funding to sit within one organisation.
How specific does our chosen place need to be?
Your place must be clearly defined and justified. It should represent a coherent serving community with clearly identified needs. Large or loosely defined areas without a strong rationale are unlikely to be competitive.
Can projects support families living both on/near base and off-base?
Yes. We are particularly interested in projects that reach families who may be less visible in local systems, including those living off-base.
Do we need to include costs for evaluation and reporting?
Yes. Projects should include appropriate and proportionate costs for data collection, reporting and learning. These should be realistic and clearly reflected in your budget.
Can we submit additional information after submitting our EOI/application?
No. To ensure fairness, we cannot accept additional information after submission unless we specifically request it.
Can we use AI to help us apply?
Yes. You may use AI to support drafting your application, provided all information is accurate, evidence-based and written in your organisation’s own voice. AI must not be used to invent content, quotes or statistics. See more advice about using AI in the Guidance document.
You should also remain mindful of your organisation’s data protection responsibilities and compliance with UK GDPR.
What happens if our application is successful?
If your full application is successful, we will email you and let you know what you need to do next to receive your official offer letter. We will also invite you to a virtual meeting to discuss next steps, provide you with further information and answer any questions that you may have.
Will we receive feedback if we are unsuccessful?
All unsuccessful applicants at EOI and full application stage will receive a copy of their assessment report. We aim to provide feedback where possible, but this may be limited depending on application volumes.
