BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has announced this year’s BFBS Big Salute Day will take place on Thursday 16 October, where every BFBS radio station around the world will dedicate 23 hours to fundraising for military charities. The annual event celebrates and supports UK Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families, including service children, by raising vital funds for military charities.
This year’s theme is “The Big 10”, which encourages fundraising ideas based around the number 10 – from 10-hour endurance challenges to activities every hour on the hour for 10 hours, to cycling to 10 different towns – anything is possible, giving huge flexibility to all those who want to engage.
Grant applications for 2025 are already open, offering up to £10,000 to military charities for purpose-driven projects that address the unique challenges faced by the armed forces community, both in the UK and overseas.
Earlier this year, the BFBS Big Salute allocated over £25,000 to four remarkable charities, who applied last year:
- Veterans into Logistics received £8,394 to fund HGV driver training for veterans
- Little Troopers were awarded £7,810 to expand its educational programme supporting service children in schools
- HorseBack UK received £4,686 to support veterans through its equine-based wellbeing project, which uses horsemanship to aid mental health and personal recovery
- Reading Force were granted £5,000 to support military families with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
New Fundraising Feature for 2025:
- On the 16 October, listeners around the world can tune in as every BFBS radio station dedicates 23 hours to sharing fundraising ideas, triumphs and stories
- People in the UK can now donate via text message, a brand-new feature making it even easier to support, in addition to online and in-person options
- BFBS also carried out internal fundraising activities with staff on 1 October, with activities including a bake sale and a BFBS Big Salute Thrift Shop, inspired by military communities across the forces world
Nicky Ness, Director of Broadcasting and Entertainment at BFBS said:
“The BFBS Big Salute is one of our favourite ways to shine a spotlight on the incredible work military charities do every day. This year, on 16 October, with 23 hours of dedicated radio across the globe, we’re giving listeners a front-row seat to help us raise funds. Tune in get involved and if you can spare even a small amount, we promise we’ll put every penny to great use.”
BFBS encourages all eligible charities to apply for grants and invites everyone to take part in this year’s BFBS Big Salute, ensuring continued support for military personnel, veterans and their families. Charities interested in applying for funding can visit www.bigsalute.com for more information including eligibility criteria, and to request an application form. The deadline for 2025 submissions is 30 September 2025.
