Following a successful first round last year, the NAAFI Fund was pleased to award further grants totalling over £1 million in its second round recently. 96 projects received grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to put towards a range of initiatives that will support the Armed Forces community.

Launched in 2020, the NAAFI Fund aims to improve the quality of life for serving personnel and their families and over the next decade it’s committed to returning a minimum of £7.5m back to Armed Forces Units to invest in their own welfare projects.

Steve Marshall, CEO, NAAFI said: “As we enter our second year of the NAAFI Fund, it is wonderful to see another series of projects being supported across the UK and overseas. This year, we have funded a wide variety of initiatives and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact these make on the Armed Forces community throughout 2022”.

Round 2’s grants had a particular focus on reducing isolation and bringing communities together, with many being used to improve leisure facilities or support activities outside of working hours.

One project, ‘Community Multi Use Games Area’ was awarded £48,040 at Nicosia Station, Cyprus. Funding will go towards constructing a multi-use games area in the centre of the Station that will provide service personnel, spouses and children with a safe and accessible communal area for sports and exercise.

WO2 Mallinson said about the funding: “This grant is amazing news for the long-established British community in Nicosia. Already there is a brilliant vibe buzzing around the estate and the kids can’t wait to see this erected on our patch. This will pull the community closer together and provide a much- needed facility for many years to come. A massive thank you from everyone in Nicosia on Op TOSCA.”

Round 3 of the NAAFI Fund will open in April. More details will be shared on the NAAFI website’s Giving Back section nearer the time so do check back then if you are keen to apply. You can also view project examples in the section and via @naafi1920 social accounts.