Strengthening Communities: Recognising Those Who Make a Lasting Difference

At the heart of the Armed Forces community lies a powerful network of charities, social enterprises and third sector organisations working quietly and often with limited resources.  These organisations step in where support is most needed and offer care, connection, advocacy and hope.

Their impact is felt not only in services delivered, but in lives transformed.

The Community Impact Award exists to recognise and celebrate those organisations whose work has made a significant positive difference to the lives of specific beneficiary groups within our Armed Forces community.

Celebrating Meaningful, Measurable Impact

This award honours a Charity, Social Enterprise, or other Third Sector Organisation that has demonstrated clear and meaningful impact within the last three years (since 01 January 2023).

The focus is on outcomes: how lives have been improved, confidence restored, wellbeing strengthened, or opportunities created for members of the Armed Forces community and their families.

These organisations may support veterans, serving personnel, reservists, families, carers, or those who are wounded, injured or sick. What unites them is a commitment to understanding need and responding with compassion, expertise and purpose.

The Power of Community-Led Support

Community impact is built on trust. It grows from listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and standing alongside people through challenge and change.

Many of the most effective organisations are rooted in lived experience. They understand the complexities of service life, transition, and identity and they design support that reflects those realities.  Their work creates safe spaces, builds resilience, and reminds individuals that they are not alone.

Why a Nomination Matters

For third sector organisations, recognition can be transformative. A nomination affirms that their work is value, can raise visibility, strengthen credibility, and open doors ultimately extending their reach and impact.

Just as importantly, it acknowledges the dedication of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries who collectively make these organisations what they are.

By nominating, you help ensure that effective, life-changing work is seen, celebrated and shared.

Who Has Made a Difference Where You Live or Work?

Take a moment to reflect.

• Which organisation have you seen making a real difference?

• Who is delivering meaningful support to a specific group within the Armed Forces community?

• Who has demonstrated measurable impact over the last few years?

Often, the most deserving organisations are focused on delivery rather than recognition. Your nomination could help amplify their voice and shine a light on the difference they make every day.

In Partnership with BAE Systems

The Community Impact Award is proudly delivered in partnership with BAE Systems, an organisation with a long-standing and deeply embedded commitment to the Armed Forces community.

As a major employer of veterans and reservists, and a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant since 2013, BAE Systems actively supports service leavers, its Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, military families and wounded, injured and sick veterans through inclusive employment practices, skills development and mentoring..

“Recognising the people and organisations who support our armed forces and their families is so important and we’re proud to sponsor the Community Impact Award. We salute the brilliant work by the Soldiering On team; building resilience, connection, recognition and delivering lasting change.”

BAE Systems also works closely with charities and community partners, investing in initiatives that strengthen resilience, wellbeing and opportunity across the Armed Forces community. Their partnership with this award reflects a shared belief in the power of collaboration and community-led solutions.

 Recognising Contribution and Impact

Community impact does not always come with headlines. Often, it is found in everyday moments; someone feeling supported, heard, or hopeful for the first time in a long while.

By nominating an organisation for the Armed Forces Community Awards Community Impact Award, you are helping to recognise those who make a tangible difference where it matters most. You are celebrating compassion in action and ensuring that effective support continues to reach those who need it.

Now is the time to honour the organisations strengthening our Armed Forces community, one life at a time. So, who will you nominate?

Register to Nominate