The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is inviting applications to its Rise programme, offering grants of up to £30,000 to support armed forces charities to strengthen their organisational capacity and long-term sustainability.
This pilot programme aims to help charities review and develop their governance, strategic growth, impact measurement and financial resilience, ensuring they are well equipped to support members of the armed forces community who have given the most.
Who can apply
As a pilot, the Rise programme is only open to small and medium armed forces charities.
To be eligible, organisations must:
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Be a registered charity supporting the armed forces community, with this clearly stated in their governing document
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Have a UK-wide reach
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Primarily support those eligible for ‘special consideration’ under the Armed Forces Covenant (defined as support for those who have given the most)
Charity size is defined as:
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Small charities: annual income of £10,000–£100,000
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Medium charities: annual income of £100,000–£1 million
What funding is available
Organisations can apply for up to £30,000 to deliver a project over 6 to 12 months.
In exceptional cases, the Trust may consider an enhanced grant of up to an additional £20,000. Enhanced awards are only available where organisations are working collaboratively with others and achieving similar sustainable outcomes. Examples include exploring organisational mergers or shared back-office functions to improve efficiency and resilience.
Programme focus and outcomes
All projects must support the overarching aim of building organisational capacity. Funded projects must demonstrate how they will help the organisation develop an actionable vision to more effectively deliver services to those in the UK armed forces community who require special consideration.
Deadline and decision timescale
There is one application deadline this financial year.
Applications submitted by midday on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will receive a funding decision before the end of March 2026.
How to apply
Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria and have reviewed the guidance can apply directly through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website Rise programme : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust