ABF The Soldiers' Charity

The charity supports activities that directly benefit the Army community, including veterans, young people and children. Funding covers core costs, salaries, project delivery, capital works, equipment, training and events. Priority areas include enabling independent living, elderly care, education and employability, mental fitness, strengthening Army families, and adequate housing. Work must be delivered across the UK; organisations serving Scotland are considered through a separate committee. The Trust prefers to fund those working at a grassroots level rather than umbrella bodies.

Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, community groups, housing associations and other not-for-profit organisations that support the Army community are eligible. Schools, faith groups and government bodies or councils are excluded. Beneficiaries must be serving soldiers, veterans, or their immediate families. The Trust tends not to support umbrella organisations, preferring to fund those working directly with beneficiaries at a grassroots level.

The charity does not fund activities related to animals, the environment, arts and culture, heritage, or sport and recreation. Research, specific named posts and salaries, and some educational or training activities such as gap years, study trips, fundraising expeditions or sponsorship are also excluded. Applications from umbrella organisations are generally not supported, and the charity will not consider a request within 12 months of a previous application outcome.

Grants are typically one-off or multi-year at the Trustees' discretion. The charity funds core costs, salaries, project delivery, capital works, equipment, training and events. It does not normally fund specific named posts. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and favours organisations that work directly with the Army community at a grassroots level.