Submit Applications for Free From Fear Programme (United Kingdom)

The Free From Fear Programme supports UK-based charities and local authorities delivering projects that prevent domestic abuse and provide long-term support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families within the armed forces community. Grants between £100,000 and £250,000 are available for projects focused on prevention, support pathways, and sustainable outcomes.

Funding Summary

• Funding Programme: Free From Fear Programme
• Funding Focus: Domestic abuse prevention and support for the armed forces community
• Grant Amount: £100,000 to £250,000
• Eligible Applicants: UK-based charities, local authorities, and combined authorities
• Target Beneficiaries: Serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families
• Funding Purpose: Long-term prevention and support initiatives addressing domestic abuse

About the Programme

The Free From Fear Programme provides funding for projects that address the impact of domestic abuse and develop long-term prevention and support services for members of the armed forces community.

The programme aims to strengthen responses to domestic abuse by supporting initiatives that help serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families access effective support, improve prevention approaches, and create sustainable solutions.

The current funding round has been developed using lessons from previous programmes, stakeholder feedback, and research evidence to improve effectiveness and maximise long-term impact.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Prevent domestic abuse within the armed forces community.
• Address the long-term effects of domestic abuse.
• Improve access to support services.
• Strengthen pathways for individuals and families seeking help.
• Develop sustainable and effective prevention approaches.
• Improve services available to serving personnel, veterans, and reservists.

Key Focus Areas

Domestic Abuse Prevention

The programme supports projects that focus on reducing domestic abuse through preventative measures, awareness activities, and interventions designed to address underlying causes and risks.

Support Services and Pathways

Projects may provide improved access to:

• Specialist support services.
• Referral pathways.
• Family support programmes.
• Assistance for individuals affected by domestic abuse.

Armed Forces Community Support

The programme recognises the specific needs of:

• Serving armed forces personnel.
• Veterans.
• Reservists.
• Partners and family members.

Funded projects should strengthen services that respond to the experiences and challenges faced by these groups.

Funding Details

Successful projects may receive grants ranging from:

• Minimum Grant: £100,000
• Maximum Grant: £250,000

Funding is intended for projects that:

• Deliver preventative action against domestic abuse.
• Create effective support routes.
• Produce sustainable and lasting outcomes.
• Strengthen services for the armed forces community.

Projects selected under this programme will receive support over a longer timeframe to help organisations build momentum and increase their impact.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• UK-based charities registered for at least three years.
• Local authorities.
• Combined authorities.

Applicants should demonstrate experience, capacity, and commitment to delivering projects that support the armed forces community and address domestic abuse.

Eligible Project Activities

Supported projects may include activities that:

• Prevent domestic abuse.
• Improve awareness and understanding.
• Develop support services.
• Strengthen referral systems.
• Provide assistance to affected individuals and families.
• Build long-term community support mechanisms.

Application Considerations

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Clear project objectives.
• Evidence-based approaches.
• Understanding of the needs of armed forces communities.
• Ability to deliver sustainable outcomes.
• Strong partnerships and community engagement.

Selection Priorities

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

• Impact on preventing domestic abuse.
• Quality of support pathways.
• Benefits for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and families.
• Sustainability of proposed activities.
• Organisational capacity to deliver the project.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the domestic abuse issue being addressed.
• Show how activities will create lasting change.
• Include evidence supporting the need for the project.
• Demonstrate collaboration with relevant partners.
• Explain how outcomes will be measured.

Conclusion

The Free From Fear Programme provides significant support for organisations working to prevent domestic abuse and improve support systems for the armed forces community. Through long-term investment in prevention, services, and community-based solutions, the programme aims to create safer environments and stronger support networks for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families.