New major funding programme to support Veterans’ housing needs
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce a new, major grants programme supporting new builds and significant refurbishment, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.
On behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, the Trust will award grants of £75K to £500K under the Major Capital Grants programme, across four rounds of funding, to projects that contribute to the aims of the Government’s ambition to reduce Veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.
Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund
The Major Capital Grants programme is the latest programme to launch under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. It is open to charities and registered social housing providers (registered social landlords in Scotland), with at least five years’ housing experience. To be eligible for this funding, you’ll need to show that most of your organisation’s work is with Veterans, or that you have extensive experience of working with Veterans.
Larger grants available
Larger grants of £500K to £1M are available for exceptional projects. These larger grants will be subject to additional eligibility criteria, including secured match funding of at least 30% at the time of application. Full details of this additional criteria are available on the Trust’s website.
Ensuring your project meets the needs of Veterans
To receive funding from the Major Capital Grants programme, you’ll need to clearly show that your project:
* is needed and is an effective way of supporting Veterans at risk
* was developed with Veterans
* doesn’t duplicate existing provision, but rather fills a gap in support for Veterans
* will support longer-term change, providing a wider impact for Veterans that will last beyond the life of your grant.
Sonia Howe, Director Policy & Comms at the Trust said: “This is an exciting opportunity for organisations to access a significant grant to build new homes that can have positive, tangible impact upon Veterans in need. Projects could focus on either transitional or permanent housing, including Veteran care homes. We’re expecting some big ideas and some truly life changing proposals.”
What’s available?
There will be four rounds of funding under the programme and decisions will be made via a two-step process.
The Trust is accepting Expressions of Interest for round 1 now. The closing date for applications is 3 January 2024. Those successful at Expression of Interest stage will be invited to submit a second stage, full application.
About the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delivering the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. The Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund supports
projects that contribute to the wider aim of ending veterans’ homelessness by providing affordable and viable homes for veterans.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said:
“I’m committed to ending Veteran rough sleeping this year. This is why we're launching the second tranche of the £20m capital housing programme, with applicants now able to bid for up to £1 million to support Veterans’ housing needs.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to showcase how we can transform the lives of Veterans across the UK and I encourage all those eligible to apply.”
Find out more
Full details of this fantastic new programme, including the timetable for applications to each of the rounds, are available on the Trust’s website covenantfund.org.uk
Keep up to date with funding opportunities
For the latest updates and announcements on Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk