New Funding Announced for Veteran Support Centres Across the UK

Local VCSE organisations working with veterans and the Armed Forces community now have a major new funding opportunity to support and expand their services.

As part of the UK Government’s new Veterans Strategy, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has launched the £50 million VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRCs) Development Fund. The initiative aims to improve access to vital services for former Armed Forces personnel by strengthening the network of support centres across the UK.

Administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the new fund will run over two rounds—one open now (Autumn 2025) and another expected in Spring 2026.

What the Fund Aims to Achieve

The VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRCs) will serve as coordinated hubs where veterans can access support for:

• Health and wellbeing
• Housing advice
• Employment and skills guidance
• Welfare and community support

Funded projects must be able to deliver all of the following outcomes:

• Reduce the postcode lottery by increasing consistency and accessibility of veteran services.
• Strengthen collaboration between statutory and VCSE organisations in the area.
• Improve understanding of local need by sharing data and insights across partners.

Who Can Apply?

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Local government bodies

Applicants can be individual organisations or consortiums, but they must already be delivering relevant services.

Funding Available

A total of £50 million will be distributed across two rounds:

Round 1 (Open Now)

• Grants between £500,000 and £1 million to support projects delivered over three years

Round 2 (Spring 2026)

• Grants up to £500,000 to support projects delivered over a period of up to three years
• Some areas may be able to apply for grants of £1 million

What Centres Must Demonstrate

To be eligible, centres must:

• Address clear needs for veterans in year one, expanding to support the wider Armed Forces community in years two and three.
• Provide a physical space where beneficiaries can attend.
• Be open at least four days per week with additional processes to support beneficiaries when closed.
• Show how their work will make a significant difference and create longer-term sustainable benefits.
• Deliver services that meet the fixed support requirements of the fund (health, housing, employment, etc.).

Funding can cover a wide range of costs—including staff time, equipment, and digital delivery.

Key Deadline

Applications for Round 1 must be submitted by

? 14 January 2026 (midday).

Click here for more information and how to apply