Combined Cadet Force Association

The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA), established by trust deed in 1963 and reformed as a company limited by guarantee in 2016, serves as the representative national body for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in over 500 UK schools. Its mission is to develop young people's physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and cultural capacities through adventurous and military-style training, fostering confidence, teamwork, judgment, communication skills, resilience, and citizenship. Deeply values-driven, CCFA collaborates with the Ministry of Defence, Department for Education, and partners to shape CCF strategy, provide advocacy, advisory support, and wellbeing resources for cadets and adult volunteers (CFAVs), while channeling 100% of donations into grants—distinctive for its exclusive, comprehensive focus on the CCF community.

CCFA funds thematic priorities like sustaining and expanding CCF access, enhancing training quality, and ensuring inclusivity by addressing financial barriers. It supports school-based CCF contingents with group activity grants for expeditions, camps, battlefield tours, and equipment/infrastructure (e.g., training canopies); individual hardship grants for cadets covering camp fees, specialist training, or music lessons; and occasional special bursaries. Volunteer recognition schemes and partnerships like Care First helplines further aid CFAVs, emphasizing personal development and community contribution.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK school-based CCF contingents (state and independent, across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and their adult volunteers—no other entities, income thresholds, or geographic sub-restrictions apply. Unsolicited applications are accepted year-round via email with forms from the website, processed by the Grants Committee every 4-8 weeks. Typical grants range from £350 (individual cadets) to £750 (groups), up to £5,000–£10,000 for larger infrastructure; core costs and unrestricted funding are excluded. CCFA stands out for its niche CCF stewardship, robust governance, and integral role in cadet policy.