Support Your Community: Grants to Celebrate UK Armed Forces Day 2026

As communities across the UK begin planning their Armed Forces Day 2026 celebrations — taking place on 27 June 2026 — there’s important funding available to help local groups make their events memorable and meaningful.

Every year, since 2009, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) provides match-funded grants to support activities that celebrate and honour the contributions of the UK’s Armed Forces and those connected to them. These grants are open to local councils, voluntary and community organisations, schools, ex-service organisations and individuals across the country.

What the Grant Covers

Grants of up to £10,000 are available — with the amount depending on the size and format of your event. Because the funding is match-funded, the MOD will contribute up to half of your total event costs, helping communities come together in support and celebration.

The funding can be used for:

• Road closures needed to hold parades or marches
• Decorations, flags and banners
• Promotion of your event via local press, radio or social media
• Marshalling, security and first aid arrangements
• Insurance and PA/communications systems for organisers

Key Dates & How to Apply

The first step in the application process is to register your event on the official Armed Forces Day website. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing a link to submit your grant application.

Event funding and registration are open now

• Application deadline: 30 April 2026
• Your event should be held within two weeks either side of Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 June 2026.

Apply or find more details on the official site:

Armed Forces Day – Event Funding & Grants

Bring Your Community Together

Whether you’re organising a local parade, community picnic, concert, or public recognition event, this grant can help make it happen — strengthening community pride and support for service personnel, veterans, cadets and their families.

If your VCSE group is thinking about hosting or supporting an Armed Forces Day event in 2026, now’s the time to start planning and apply for funding.

Together we can honour service, build community spirit, and celebrate the contributions of our Armed Forces across the East Riding and beyond.