Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund provides grants ranging from £200,000 to £1,000,000 to support the establishment and development of local centres serving veterans and the wider armed forces community across the United Kingdom. The programme aims to improve access to in-person support services, strengthen collaboration among service providers, and create a more coordinated system of veteran support nationwide.
About the VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund
The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund has been launched to improve how veterans access guidance, advice, and support within their local communities. Delivered on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, the programme supports the creation and development of VALOUR-recognised Centres that act as trusted local access points for veterans and armed forces families.
These centres will help connect individuals with essential services while promoting a consistent standard of support across different regions of the UK.
Grant Size: £200,000–£1,000,000
Key Focus Areas
The fund supports projects that contribute to a stronger and more accessible veteran support network.
Priority areas include:
- Improving equitable access to veteran support services
- Strengthening collaboration between statutory and non-statutory organizations
- Enhancing coordination of local support networks
- Improving data collection, information sharing, and understanding of veteran needs
- Reducing regional differences in the availability and quality of support services
What Are VALOUR-Recognised Centres?
VALOUR-recognised Centres are local, in-person support hubs designed to help veterans and members of the armed forces community find and access the services they need.
These centres may provide guidance or referrals related to:
- Physical and mental health support
- Employment and skills development
- Housing assistance
- Financial and welfare advice
- Family and community support services
The aim is to create a more connected support system that makes it easier for veterans to navigate available services.
Who is Eligible?
The fund is open to organizations that can demonstrate experience, capability, and commitment to supporting veterans and armed forces communities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities with relevant experience in veteran services
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) established for more than three years
- Local government bodies
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong governance arrangements
- Financial and operational capability
- Experience delivering relevant services
- Ability to work collaboratively with partner organizations
Partnership Requirements
Collaboration is a key requirement of the programme.
Applicants are expected to work closely with:
- Local authorities
- Health and social care providers
- Veteran support organizations
- Community and voluntary sector groups
- Other statutory and non-statutory service providers
Strong partnership arrangements will help ensure veterans receive coordinated and effective support.
Why This Fund Matters
Many veterans need support across multiple areas of life, including healthcare, employment, housing, and wellbeing. However, access to these services can vary significantly depending on location.
The VALOUR programme aims to:
- Improve consistency in service delivery
- Reduce barriers to accessing support
- Strengthen local support networks
- Improve coordination between organizations
- Develop better evidence and data to understand veteran needs
By investing in local centres, the programme seeks to create lasting improvements in the support available to veterans across the UK.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying should:
- Review the programme objectives and requirements.
- Confirm their eligibility and organizational capacity.
- Establish partnerships with relevant service providers.
- Develop a clear project plan, including expected outcomes and community impact.
- Prepare supporting governance, financial, and operational documentation.
- Submit a complete application through the official funding process.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate local demand for veteran support services.
- Highlight previous experience and successful project delivery.
- Show strong partnership and collaboration arrangements.
- Include measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
- Present a realistic budget and implementation plan.
- Explain how services will remain sustainable beyond the grant period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding is available?
Applicants can request grants ranging from £200,000 to £1,000,000.
Who can apply for the fund?
Registered charities, eligible Community Interest Companies, and local government bodies can apply.
What is the purpose of the programme?
The programme aims to improve access to veteran support services and strengthen local support networks across the UK.
What are VALOUR-recognised Centres?
They are local support hubs that help veterans connect with appropriate services and guidance within their communities.
Is partnership working required?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate collaboration with both statutory and non-statutory organizations.
Who will benefit from funded projects?
Veterans and the wider armed forces community throughout the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund represents a significant opportunity for charities, CICs, and local authorities to strengthen support services for veterans and armed forces communities. Through grants of up to £1 million, the programme aims to improve access to local services, encourage collaboration among providers, and create a more coordinated and effective support system across the UK.
For more information, visit Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.