The Covenant Fund
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that create real change to armed forces communities across the UK. The Trust is a charity and is classified as a non-departmental public body, or NDPB. The Trust looks after the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, worth £10m each year.
Check out the latest Armed Forces Covenant programmes and projects funded by the Transformational Grants programme.
Armed Forces Covenant Duty Statutory Guidance - The Armed Forces Covenant Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to pay due regard to the Covenant principles when exercising certain functions.
Service pupil premium (SPP) - Service personnel with children in state schools must notify schools of their eligibility for the Service pupil premium (SPP).
Find out about the Service Personnel Support programme to apply for grants. Under this programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust will award grants for projects which support service children along their educational pathway.
Other support organisations
There are lots of organisations that provide further support to serving armed forces personnel, their families and veterans.
The Army Families Federation (AFF) is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice on a range of welfare issues including money matters and family life.
The Army provides help on a range of welfare issues including deployment support for families, legal assistance and a dedicated Forcesline for confidential guidance.
The MOD Education Support Fund (ESF) is for UK maintained schools with service children of frequently moved or absent parents. Service parents are encouraged to raise awareness of the ESF at their child’s school.
The Naval Families Federation lists organisations and charities that can help with a range of welfare issues, including bereavement and disability needs.
The Royal Navy Community provides information to help serving personnel. Having the support of peers, colleagues and like-minded people all over the world can help you deal with the unique challenges of Royal Navy life.
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provides information on social, family and financial issues to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF, and their families.
Veterans UK provides a range of services including a veterans advice helpline, a welfare service that will provide a dedicated caseworker to assist veterans and their families, and support to war pensioners and war widows and widowers.
Sandwell Council benefits team offer financial help and support. You can check to see if you're eligible for any benefits.
The Royal British Legion provides support to people who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, their dependants and carers.
They also assist with obtaining immediate needs grants. Please contact them if you have any questions or if you are not sure if they can assist: Legion line is open 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week on 0808 802 8080 (free from UK landlines and main mobile networks).
The Royal British Legion has launched a Cost of Living Grants Programme. This programme is designed to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.
Discounts
The Defence Discount Service offers online and high street discounts to members of the defence community. Businesses can sign up for free and offer a discount for the armed forces community.