The Ministry of Defence's Armed Forces Day Grants are designed to show support for UK servicemen and women, past and present, through Armed Forces Day events and activities. Armed Forces Day in 2024 falls on Saturday 29th June and funded activities should take place within two weeks either side of this date (i.e. between Saturday 15th June and Saturday 15th July 2024).
Armed Forces Day events can range from national and regional celebrations to very local events organised by councils, ex-service organisations, community groups and schools. Previously funded events have included:
o A community fete.
o A street party.
o Parades of veterans, cadets and/or currently serving personnel, and
o Picnic in the park.
Grants of up to £10,000 are available, but please note that the grant should comprise no more than 50% of the total event cost, meaning that applicants are required to secure at least 50% of the project cost from other sources.
A list of all upcoming events is provided on the Armed Forces Day website.
Grants can be used to cover the costs of:
o Decorations, flags and banners.
o Insurances.
o Local or national newspaper and radio advertisements to promote the event.
o Marshalling, security and first aid arrangements for the event.
o PA and communications systems, and
o Road closures.
Grants are not available for:
o Entertainment, such as bands or musicians, films or other entertainment, military or otherwise.
o Hospitality, including food, drinks and accommodation.
o Military assets, including displays, equipment or military vehicles.
o Transport for guests or organisers to or from the event, or
o VAT.
Applications for Armed Forces Day 2024, which takes place on Saturday 29th June 2024, have a deadline of Monday 1st April 2024.
To apply, eligible organisations should initially register their event on the Armed Forces Day website. Following registration of their intended event, applicants will receive a confirmation email within 3 working days with a link to the application form. submit an application for funding.
Further information about Armed Forces Day 2024 is available on the Armed Forces Day website.
