April 25, 2024
Covenant Fund launches Funding Framework for the next 3 years
Hidden Voices Programme
The Hidden Voices Programme will award grants of up to £25,000 to enable accessible, bespoke mental health and wellbeing support for those with seldom heard needs in the armed forces community
Apply by 12 noon 1 October 2025
Grants between £3,000 and £25,000
Open to registered charities, CICs and local authorities
Under the Hidden Voices Programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award grants of £3,000 to £25,000 for projects that enable accessible, bespoke mental health and wellbeing support for those with seldom heard needs in the armed forces community.
Click below to see what we have previously funded under the Hidden Voices programme.
Eligibility
We invite applications from:
- UK based registered charities
- Community interest Company (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities.
- Local authorities
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 of £3,000 to £25,000 in total towards a project being delivered over a period of up to 12 months.
If your application is successful, we may invite you to apply for supplementary funding during your project’s delivery, to support complementary initiatives which add value beyond the original project scope, or which offer opportunities to evaluate your project’s impact.
Themes and priorities
We want to support projects that address the unique mental health and wellbeing needs of marginalised groups focusing on prevention and early intervention.
Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:
- Those who are underrepresented, or whose voices are seldom heard, within the armed forces community, have equitable access to mental health and wellbeing support which meets their specific needs.
- Awareness of the needs of underrepresented groups within the armed forces community has been raised among organisations supporting them, through mutual learning and knowledge exchange to embed best practice.
Deadlines and dates to note
There are two deadlines for applications this financial year.
If you apply by 12 noon on 1 October 2025, you will receive a decision before end of November 2025.
If you apply by 12 noon on 21 January 2026, you will receive a decision before end of 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.
Yes.
No, but they can work in partnership with other eligible organisations, if the work will develop tangible links between civilian communities and local command, and offer routes for learning and referrals.
We mean organisations working together for the benefit of armed forces communities.
Yes, however, you may need to work with another organisation if you don’t have substantial experience of working with the armed forces community. There is more information on this in the programme guidance.
This refers to mental health interventions which are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals or groups, rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.
Yes, if your project addresses the needs of armed forces groups or individuals whose voices, opinions or needs are not frequently or adequately represented in mainstream policies or services.
All the information you need is included in the programme guidance material on this page. This will help you to decide whether to submit an application. To ensure that all applicants are treated fairly, we’re unable to provide individualised advice.
No. You cannot use funds to benefit only one person, or to make grants or donations of money or items to individuals or families. Please refer to the programme guidance for further information on use of funds.
We encourage you to take a look at the application questions before beginning your online application to the Hidden Voices 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 46.0 KBWatch our webinar recording
We held a webinar to talk about the Hidden Voices programme on 11 August 2025. Click below to watch the recording.
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.
Apply to the Hidden Voices programme