VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund Opens for Applications

Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations supporting veterans and the Armed Forces community can now apply to the second round of the VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRCs) Development Fund.

Backed by a £50 million investment from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) within the Ministry of Defence and administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this programme aims to strengthen coordinated, in-person support for veterans and their families across the UK.

About the Fund

The VALOUR programme is designed to develop a network of Recognised Centres that provide accessible, high-quality, joined-up support for veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.

Round two of the fund offers development grants over three years, with funding available in two bands:

• £200,000 to £500,000
• £501,000 to £1 million

Funding will be released in stages, subject to centres meeting agreed requirements and demonstrating progress.

• The higher funding band is aimed at established, well-connected organisations or consortiums, particularly those operating in areas of identified need such as London and the East of England, or areas not covered in round one.
• The lower band is designed for community-based organisations delivering locally accessible services, with consortium bids encouraged.

What Projects Should Deliver

Projects supported through the fund are expected to:

• Provide consistent, high-quality support services
• Improve equity of access for veterans and Armed Forces communities
• Strengthen collaboration between statutory and non-statutory services
• Build a better understanding of local need through data sharing and insight

Centres must deliver a coordinated offer of support, including:

• Health guidance and access to services
• Housing advice and support
• Employment and skills guidance

In addition, applicants must demonstrate how they will:

• Work in partnership across local systems
• Ensure their centre contributes to the wider VALOUR network and OVA priorities
• Meet data sharing and reporting requirements

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) established for at least three years
• Local government bodies

Applicants must be able to evidence:

• Experience delivering complex, partnership-based work
• Strong governance and safeguarding arrangements
• A clear approach to inclusion, equity and accessibility

Centre Requirements

Organisations applying to become VALOUR Recognised Centres must:

• Have a physical, accessible space
• Be open at least four days per week
• Deliver support to veterans from year one, expanding to the wider Armed Forces community from year two

What the Funding Can Support

Funding can be used for:

• Staffing costs
• Online service delivery
• Equipment and resources
• Limited overheads, where clearly linked to VRC activity

However, applications where budgets are primarily capital-based are unlikely to be supported.

Key Date

• Expression of Interest deadline: 15 June 2026 at 12:00

Why This Matters for VCSE Organisations

This fund represents a significant opportunity for VCSE organisations to play a leading role in shaping local and national support systems for veterans.

By investing in collaborative models and strengthening infrastructure, the VALOUR programme aims to ensure that veterans and their families can access joined-up, person-centred support in their communities.

For organisations already working in this space—or those looking to expand their offer—this funding can support both service delivery and long-term organisational development, helping to build sustainable, impactful provision.

Find Out More

Full guidance and application details are available via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Interested organisations are encouraged to review requirements carefully and consider partnership approaches where appropriate.Click Here