Apart, not Alone 2025-26 consists of two complementary programmes aimed at improving the quality of life for those impacted by service related separation. Both programmes support families experiencing separation, and recognise the significant impact it can have on various aspects of family life, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections and overall family dynamics.

This page provides information about the main Apart, not Alone programme. If you are a charity registered in the UK for at least three years, or a local authority, and you wish to provide targeted support for serving families facing challenges in specific locations in the UK due to service-related separation, you may wish to apply to the Apart, not Alone: Local impact grants programme.

The Apart, Not Alone: Local impact grants programme will award portfolio grants up to £300,000 over three years. It has additional eligibility criteria and expected outcomes.

For details of Apart, Not Alone: Local impact grants, please use the link below.

Under the Apart not Alone: Support for serving families facing service-related separation programme the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects that mitigate the impact of service-related separation for families of serving personnel and reservists.

Eligibility

We invite applications from:

• Registered charities with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities.
• Community interest Companies (CICs) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities.
• Armed Forces units or bases.

There is more detailed information about eligibility in the programme guidelines available below. It is important that you read the programme guidance carefully before you apply.

What’s available

You can apply for a grant of up to £25,000 towards a project being delivered over a period of up to 12 months.

Charities and CICs registered in the UK for a least three years can apply for grant for up to £50,000 for a project lasting up to two years.

Themes and priorities

Projects should be focused on supporting serving families (including reservists) impacted
by service-related separation, for example deployment, weekending, or military exercises.

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

• Families feel more able to manage the impact of loneliness or isolation during
  periods of separation.
• Families experience fewer challenges during reintegration after deployment or
  extended separation.
• Improved mental health and wellbeing for serving families.
• Improved understanding of effective models of support for serving families.

Deadlines and dates to note

There will be two deadlines for applications this year.

If you apply by 12pm on 30 July 2025, you will receive a decision before end October 2025.

If you apply by 12pm on 21 January 2026, you will receive a decision before end March 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.

Frequently asked questions

Please note, we will add to this list if and when we receive queries from applicants.

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.