The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.
In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.
The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.
- Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
- Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
- Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.
Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.
Why is the Trust running this programme for a second year?
Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups. Research by Kings College London (KCL), jointly funded by the MOD, found increased prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) in armed forces communities compared to the general population.
Collectively, the projects supported under Free from Fear last year cover many aspects of much needed support and awareness of this issue. From a UK-wide helpline, work to spot the early signs of abuse, development of training programmes, addressing behaviour change, developing support networks for victim-survivors, and ultimately creating and maintaining strong links within communities, the military and beyond.
What’s new for 2025/26?
This year, the Trust has widened eligibility to apply for this funding, and is now accepting applications from:
- registered charities and CICs with recent, relevant experience in the field of domestic abuse
- local authorities
- NHS bodies
- armed forces units/bases.
Full eligibility guidance is available on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk
Chief Executive of the Trust, Anna Wright said:
“In the light of the success of the Free from Fear Programme last year, it feels right that we seek to make further impact in support of those living with or in fear of domestic abuse. We’ve widened our eligibility this year to include NHS bodies and local authorities and look forward to receiving a rich portfolio of potential work to target this issue.”
