Under this programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will fund high quality research which helps develop an understanding of the key challenges that Armed Forces families can face, particularly in relation to educational attainment for Service pupils, child welfare and the welfare needs of Service families.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this funding, you must be either:

• A UK-based university
• A registered charity

Under this programme, we cannot support:

• Individuals
• Private limited companies
• CICs

A full list of eligibility is available in the programme guidance below.

What’s available

Grants of up to £60,000 over for projects delivered over 18 months.

Themes and priorities

We are looking for projects that will contribute to the wider understanding of complex educational or welfare issues affecting Armed Forces families, and propose solutions.

This is a targeted and strategic programme that aims to develop a stronger understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by Armed Forces families. Applications must address at least one of these 6 key challenges:

• The impact of Service life for children with SEND/ASN/ALN
• The impact of separation of Service personnel from children in their key early years development. 
• Whether Service children achieve the highest GCSE grades at a comparable rate to their civilian counterparts. 
• What are the key educational risks and benefits associated with transitions between education systems for Service children? 
• What evidence is there that Foreign & Commonwealth Service families are overrepresented in statutory social care services and single Service welfare provision. 
• How do Forces families currently receive information from Defence, including what are their preferences? 

There is more information in the programme guidance document below.

Deadlines and dates to note

This programme is now closed. The deadline for applications was 9am on Friday 6 October 2023.

We expect to be able to let you know the outcome of your application before the end of November 2023.

Guidance and resources