The UK Government (Ministry of Defence) has established a Covenant Fund which was set up to distribute £10 million per annum in perpetuity from 2015/2016 onwards, in order to fund projects which support the aims of the Armed Forces Covenant and in particular projects which support the Armed Forces Community locally, regionally and across the whole of the United Kingdom. The priorities for this funding were developed in consultation with the MoD Covenant Reference Group (CRG).
The Covenant Fund is now directed to establish a lasting legacy for the work and principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. It is therefore important that funding is focussed and directed equitably. The CRG identified four overarching themes that the Covenant Fund must take into account now, and in future years when making decisions.
These are:
- Non-core healthcare services for veterans;
- Removing barriers to family life;
- Extra support after service for those that need help; and
- Measures to integrate military and civilian communities and allow the Armed Forces community to participate as citizens.
The Covenant Fund will consult the CRG on priorities which will support one or more of the themes on an annual basis.
The strategic oversight and decision making as to recipients of the funding shall be undertaken by the Covenant Fund Panel which is made up of duly appointed members.
The day to day operation and management of the Covenant Fund will be undertaken by an executive grant making team.
The Covenant Fund will make grants (capital and/or revenue) to organisations in response to applications, and the grants will be allocated according to clear, set and transparent criteria following a decision making process agreed in advance with the Covenant Fund Panel.
Timetable for Covenant Funding
The funding priorities for April 2018 to March 2019 are as follows:-
- Armed Forces Covenant: local grants and digital development
- Armistice and Armed Forces Communities: supporting local communities to consider the Armed Forces Covenant and its relevance today in the context of the World War 1 commemorations
Further priorities will be announced in the coming months.
- small grants, for applications up to a maximum of £20,000 and
- large grants, for applications of between £20,001 and £500,000.
The Regional Devolved Administration Board (RDAB), managed by 160 Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Brecon, will receive Welsh local applications for consultation and discussion amongst regional and local Armed Forces fora to determine suitability and need.
Guidelines and Forms
The main MoD page for the Covenant Funding can be found at
The application forms are online surveys. You should refer to the relevant small or large grants guidance, as you complete your application to ensure you give yourself the best chance of success. If you would like to see a list of the questions asked on each of the forms, you can find them on the guidance page.
Covenant Fund small grants guidance (PDF)
Covenant Fund large grants guidance (PDF)
If you have any queries that are not covered by the guidance or ‘frequently asked questions’, then do please contact the MoD by email at