Army Benevolent Fund

The Army Benevolent Fund was established in August 1944, as the Army’s national charity, to ensure those soldiers who had fought in World War Two received the support they needed and deserved.

The charity’s founding purpose remains unchanged 80 years later and will endure. It is to provide a lifetime of support to serving soldiers, former soldiers, and their immediate families (including the bereaved) when they are in need, such they are afforded the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

Last year, we spent more than £9.5 million in benevolence worldwide, supporting over 74,000 members of the Army family across 51 countries. Our beneficiaries range in age from 1 to 104 years old, demonstrating our commitment to providing lifelong support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families whenever they need us. We genuinely are here for soldiers, for life.

Around 14% of our grant expenditure directly benefits the serving Army community, helping serving personnel and their families access the support they need. This includes £200,000 towards children's activities provided by the Army Welfare Service, helping strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of serving Army families.

We ensure a complete spectrum of support in the areas it is needed most: helping Army families; improving mental wellbeing; enabling independent living; caring for the elderly; training and education to increase employability; and ensuring the provision of suitable housing.

Finally, and crucially, we act with speed. When we are alerted that a person or family is in need of help, we aim to make the relevant individual grant within 48 hours.

Thank you. Your legacy will help us keep our promise—to act with speed and agility to ensure the right help reaches the right people quickly and in the most appropriate way.