Organisations and individuals can still apply for funding to host an event in June in recognition of the UK’s servicemen and women.
Since 2009, Armed Forces Day has been marked annually throughout the UK with events large and small. The Ministry of Defence provides funding each year to support groups and individuals to commemorate the occasion.
Local councils, voluntary and community organisations, schools, ex-service organisations and individuals can apply for grants of up to £10,000 for activities taking place across the UK.
This grant is match funded and can cover up to half the total cost of the event. For example, if the total cost of the event is £10,000 and £5,000 has been raised, the grant could cover up to £5,000.
The 2023 event should be held within two weeks of the Armed Forces Day, which falls in the last weekend of June 2023.
In the past, ideas for activities have included the following:
- Picnic in the park.
- Themed BBQ.
- Knees up in your living room.
- Street party.
- Fete.
The funding can be used to pay for:
- Road closures required to hold an event, including to allow for parades and marches.
- Decorations, flags and banners.
- Local or national newspaper and radio advertisements to promote the event.
- Marshalling, security and first aid arrangements for the event.
- Insurance.
- PA and communications systems for events organisers.
Groups must register their event before they can access the funding criteria.
Please note the MOD has made two notable changes to the programme this year: the application deadline has been moved from the first of March to the end of March, and payment of the grant is now by credit card (not by BACs transfer).
How To Apply
The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.
The first step in the application process is to register the event on the Armed Forces Day website.
Once groups have registered their event, they will receive a confirmation email within three working days. This email contains a link to submit an application for funding.