Armed Forces Community Support Fund

Local community groups working with the Armed Forces were invited to apply for new funding from Hart District Council to strengthen their support and outreach. 

Organisations were able bid for up to £4,000 in total from the Armed Forces Community Support Fund for projects and activities that benefit serving members, their families, veterans and cadets in Hart. 

The new funding follows the Council’s recent silver award from the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant for its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community. This is in line with our corporate priorities.  

A total of £25,000 was available. Funding was aimed at local organisations and not intended for nationally-funded organisations. 

Successful organisations

Army Welfare Service Community Support Team, Church Crookham: £3,850
Supporting 18 to 25 year olds from military and civilian families to gain accredited qualifications through their Youth Voice Ambassador scheme.

Long Sutton Primary School, Hook: £4,000
Developing a support club called 'Long Sutton Heroes' for military children. This will offer essential emotional and social assistance, especially during the challenging times when a parent is deployed.

Court Moor School, Fleet: £4,000
Purchase of military standards and camping equipment for established cadet group.

Unit 137 Sea Cadet Corps (Fleet and surrounding areas): £1,714
Purchase of educational tools to teach leadership, camaraderie, communications and teamwork.

2407 Squadron (Yateley and Eversley) RAF Air Cadets: £3,002
Supporting cadets to gain Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Borders Cadet Corp and Borders Cadet Corp of Drums (Hawley-based): £4,000
Giving advice and support with a view to setting up a hub for cadets and veterans and establishing a drum corps.

Approved applications need to be able to demonstrate what the money has been used for by providing clear figures on how it was spent.  

In exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, Hart District Council may withdraw grants or postpone the grant scheme. 

Scoring criteria 

Need for the project: Will it provide or improve something for the target group? Does the project take place in a deprived area? How well has the need been identified and explained? 

Value for money: Are the costings supplied realistic for the work being carried out? Are the desired outcomes proportional to the amount being requested? 

Benefit to the community: Will the project have a positive impact on the standard of living of the target group? Will the project have a positive impact on the health and/or wellbeing of the target group? Will the project impact harder to reach residents or new users? 

Clear project outcomes: Are the desired outcomes clearly defined? Does the application explain what success looks like? What improvements are expected to be seen at the end of the project? 

Sustainability: Is this project a 'one-off' or is it able to provide ongoing support throughout the year and subsequent periods of need? Will any equipment purchased benefit the community in the future? 

Scores from 0 to 4 were awarded against each criteria: