Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence (MOD), established in 1964 as the UK's central government department for defence, serves as headquarters for the British Armed Forces with a core mission to protect the nation, ensure national security, support international peace and stability, and promote prosperity through robust military capabilities and global partnerships. Guided by values of integrity, discipline, respect, courage, and excellence, the MOD uniquely blends statutory defence responsibilities with targeted welfare funding for service personnel, veterans, and their families, often via partnerships with charities like the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, distinguishing it from generalist funders through its national security ethos and emphasis on evidence-based, collaborative impact.

It prioritises projects addressing armed forces welfare, mental health, rehabilitation, employment resettlement, family support, community integration, and events like Armed Forces Day, delivered through specific programmes such as the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, VALOUR Recognised Centres, Hidden Voices, Apart Not Alone, Major Capital Grants, and Serving Families: On the Move. Funding supports project costs, capital builds, revenue, and match-funded events benefiting UK armed forces communities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and local councils based in the UK (including Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories for select schemes), favouring medium-to-large organisations with proven governance, delivery capacity, and alignment to MOD priorities; no income thresholds apply, but grassroots groups qualify for smaller local projects. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—proposals must align with announced rounds via online forms requiring budgets, governance docs, and impact evidence.

Typical grants range £5,000–£50,000 (small events £2,000–£10,000; capital up to £1 million), with programme-specific deadlines (e.g., next Armed Forces Day round likely December 2025), decisions in 2–16 weeks, and strict post-award reporting. Exclusions include generalist causes, VAT, hospitality, and non-aligned activities outside defence welfare.