ABF The Soldiers' Charity

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, also known as the Army Benevolent Fund, is the British Army's national charity established in 1944 during World War II to provide lifelong support for soldiers, veterans, and their immediate families facing hardship, regardless of age or location. Guided by values of compassion, efficiency, trust, and partnership, it focuses on six key themes: enabling independent living, elderly care, education and employability, mental fitness, strengthening Army families, and adequate housing. Its distinctive approach emphasizes agile, rapid-response grants—often within 48 hours for individuals—alongside collaborative leadership in the military charity sector to foster resilience, dignity, and sustainable impact.

The charity funds projects, core costs, capital items, programme delivery, and multi-year initiatives for organizations like Walking With The Wounded (mental health and care coordination) and the Army Families Federation (family support), as well as direct aid for needs like emergency accommodation, mobility aids, disability adaptations, bereavement counselling, and career transitions. Beneficiaries include serving soldiers, veterans, spouses, children, and dependants worldwide, with priority on Army-linked vulnerabilities in over 50 countries.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, housing associations, and not-for-profits with a proven track record and clear British Army connection; it prefers grassroots and medium-sized groups, with new applicants rarely exceeding £15,000. No geographic or income restrictions apply, but activities must directly benefit the Army community. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £25,000, submitted via email application form during three annual rounds (deadlines January, June, November; next closes 17 January 2025), reviewed by the Grants Committee with decisions in 8-12 weeks.

ABF excludes non-Army-related causes, general fundraising, and unrestricted uses, standing out for its singular Army focus, rapid individual aid, and ecosystem coordination to prevent duplication and maximize lifetime support.