The BFBS Welfare Fund

About

BFBS grants are available to support those amenities, activities and projects that promote the efficiency of the Armed Forces (both regular and reserve) but which do not generally attract public funds.  They fall into 3 categories:

1. Welfare Grants.  Applications may be made for grants which improve the quality of life and wellbeing of service personnel and their families.  When necessary, priority will be given to support those on operational deployments or living in arduous conditions.  Where applications are made for equipment, grants will generally only be given for capital costs; running costs will be the responsibility of the applicant. Applications should be made to BFBS through the applicant’s parent Command headquarters: PJHQ (for operational deployments), Fleet, Land and Air (for all others) and then forwarded with recommendations and any additional comments to [email protected]

2. Sports Grants.  Because funding is readily available for single service level sport through other sources (such as sports lotteries), applications for sports grants will, in general, only be considered for competitive sports undertaken at Armed Forces level and Inter Services competitions.  Each year BFBS makes a substantial block grant towards Armed Forces level sport and Inter Services competitions which is allocated and administered by the UK Armed Forces Sports Board (UKAFSB).  Therefore, applications for grants in support of Armed Forces sport and Inter Services competitions should, in the first instance, be made to the UKAFSB which may approach BFBS if a compelling case can be made for additional support beyond the annual block grant.

3. Adventurous Training Grants.  Grants will be considered in support of tri-service or major single service Adventurous Training (AT) expeditions which have been formally endorsed by the relevant service AT authority. Expeditions must be both ambitious in their aim and unique in the delivery and/or environment. Successful applicants will be expected to plan and exploit media opportunities through a variety of channels and platforms.

Content of applications

​​​​​​There is no specific format for applications.  However, requests for grants should, where appropriate, include the following content:

An explanation of the project or activity and justification as to how it will promote the efficiency of the Armed Forces.

A breakdown of costs, including the amount sought from the BFBS Welfare Fund.

Confirmation that the project or activity is not an appropriate charge to public funds.

A statement of other possible sources of non-public funds, including sponsorship.

The numbers of personnel who will benefit directly from the project or activity.

An indication of how it is intended to publicise the project or activity, including the range of outlets (such as radio, TV and social media) that will be used for media exploitation.

Confirmation that the applicant has fully assessed and can, where appropriate, meet any future running and maintenance costs.

The details of how payment should be made if the grant is approved.

The name and contact number/email of the Project Officer to whom queries may be addressed.

Please note: The BFBS Trustees will not reimburse an application for any costs incurred in anticipation of its approval.

Acknowledgement of grants

Letters of acknowledgement and/or photographs of grants received should be sent to: Welfare Fund , BFBS, Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire SL9 8TN. BFBS and their auditors will use these letters as official confirmation that the grants have benefited those for whom they are intended.

Coverage of grant on BFBS' platforms

Applicants may be asked to provide photographs, video and copy about the amenity or adventurous training that has been funded by a BFBS Welfare Grant for the BFBS website and social media platforms.

Record of grants

Where at all feasible, all items or facilities funded by BFBS are to be labelled or fitted with a plaque by the parent unit, acknowledging BFBS’ involvement – we will provide labels for small items. A permanent record of items should be kept on miscellaneous stores account to enable the items to be used in the future.

Transfer or disposal of BFBS-funded items

If a unit cannot use an item provided by a BFBS Welfare Grant the Trustees prefer that it is transferred to another unit or, as a last resort, is sold. If sold, an appropriate proportion of the proceeds should be returned, by cheque, made payable to 'BFBS’ ' via Command HQ.

 

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