Frequently asked questions
Why is this a two-stage application process?
We will make a single, large and complex grant as part of this grant programme. Having an Expression of Interest stage ensures that all organisations wishing to apply do not have to complete the detailed stage two application form. Only a small number of organisations with strong Expressions of Interest will be invited to submit a stage two application. We will assess the Expressions of Interest (and later, the stage two applications) against the criteria in our programme guidance.
My organisation supports bereaved military families, but we don’t necessarily have the experience to lead a portfolio, how can we still be involved in the work?
We anticipate that any organisation wishing to submit an application to lead the portfolio will look to contact organisations they believe will contribute vital experience, to help make this grant project a success. The published research report contains a list of third sector organisations providing a variety of support services to bereaved military families. If, after an award has been made, an organisation wishes to link in with the successful project, we would strongly encourage getting in touch with the grant holder for a discussion.
Are we expected to consult with the bereaved military community at application stage?
No, not at application stage. Members of the bereaved military community, as well as third sector organisations supporting them, were consulted as part of the research to understand the type of grant programme the Trust should design. This has helped us design the outcomes of the grant programme. One of the research recommendations makes clear that lived experience should be embedded within the programme.
It’s important that any consultation done is meaningful and respectful to the challenges bereaved families may have faced. We believe that to do that properly, adequate time needs to be given. It’s for this reason that we’re anticipating organisations will build a ‘discovery phase’ into the beginning of the project, to allow them space to carry out that work.
We’ve not worked directly with the bereaved military community before, does that prevent us from applying?
Not necessarily. We’re looking for an organisation that has expertise in supporting bereaved communities, as well as the skills and experience to coordinate a project of this size. A strong portfolio will likely have a mix of organisations with military and non-military experience, to help fully meet the varied needs of the bereaved military community.
Does it matter what type of bereavement the programme supports?
No, we expect this project to be mindful, respectful and supportive of all types of bereavement experienced by the bereaved military community.
The Trust’s definition of family is broad, and doesn’t necessarily match the MOD’s definition of those that would ordinarily be eligible for statutory provision, why is that?
The Trust is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) of the MOD and a registered charity. We are not required to apply the same definition to our grant funded projects. The research report recognised that this grant programme should look to extend support to all family members, and for this reason we’ve included a very broad term for what constitutes a family in the programme guidance. Whilst, as an NDPB, the Trust cannot support any work to lobby for policy change, we can ensure that our grant funded projects provide holistic forms of support to those that may be in need, but not necessarily eligible to receive statutory support.
We’re thinking of applying but don’t necessarily know the extent of the services or projects we’ll be able to run across the four years, does that matter?
No, not at application stage. We understand that it’s challenging to map out all provision across four years, especially as there will be work to do establishing relationships and understanding the expertise each organisation in the portfolio brings. What your application should show us, is your overall plan for how you intend to meet the outcomes of this grant programme. We will work with the successful grant holder once an award has been made, and throughout the life of the project, to understand how provision will map out.
Can we apply to more than one funding programme?
Yes, the Trust welcomes applications to multiple programmes, however it’s important to note that each grant programme is looking to support a different need within the armed forces community. Please read the specific programme guidance for each programme you are applying to, as eligibility criteria and aims will differ. Please explain in the application form if or how this project fits with any other applications submitted. If the projects are not standalone, we’ll ask you to tell us more about how the projects connect and complement one another. Or, if you have brought the same project to more than one programme, please explain why and what would happen if you were awarded both grants, as well as how they would impact existing services or provision. This should include commentary on the proposed budgets and intended impact of the projects to show similarities or differences. We cannot double-fund an activity, so there will need to be clear points differentiating the two projects.
Awards made
| Year awarded | Programme | Funder | Organisation name | Project title | Project description | Project location | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Empowering Bereaved Military Families | Covenant Fund | Defence Medical Welfare Service | Empowering Bereaved Military Families | This funding will enable DMWS to provide mental health support including counselling and practical and emotional support tailored to the family members needs and provide guided referrals to further professional and community support. | UK-wide | 1,995,321.00 |
