The Army Central Fund (ACF) is a grantmaking charity working to improve the physical, social, emotional and occupational wellbeing of serving British Army personnel, both Regular and Reserve, as well as their immediate families. Our core objective is to promote the efficiency of the Army for public benefit, and we do this through funding initiatives which develop and retain a well-supported, resilient and engaged workforce.
Aside from core grants to the Army Families Federation and Army Sport, and welfare funds which are distributed on our behalf by HQ Regional Command, the ACF awards grants to national and local UK registered charities and, on occasion, Community Interest Companies (CICs).
The ACF Board has recently approved the publication of the charity’s first-ever grantmaking strategy which is available here.
The next funding deadline is Tuesday 30 September 2025, and applications will be considered by the ACF Board in November. After this, owing to a change in the ACF’s financial year, the following deadline will be Wednesday 31 December 2025, with applications being considered at the February Board meeting. When making their decisions Trustees focus on the need identified and the benefits the proposed project will bring to the serving Army and their immediate families.
You are invited to share a brief outline of your funding proposal with the ACF Director, Caroline Crewe-Read, via grants@armycentralfund.org.uk. She will then contact you to arrange a discussion about your eligibility and the application process.
Please note the ACF cannot accept applications from individuals, nor is it able to support activities focused on veterans or cadets. Army units and Army Sports Associations/Unions should not apply direct to the Army Central Fund but should follow the instructions and guidance detailed in Army Command Standing Order 3206 (Army Welfare Funds).
