This guidance sits alongside the SSAFA Branches - Use of Funds for Community Engagement (SSAFA Branches - Use of funds for Community Engagement | Branch Handbook | SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase) guidance and provides practical examples of how branch funds have been used to support Community Engagement activity across the network.
The examples are intended to help branches understand the types of expenditure that may be appropriate when planning and delivering Community Engagement activities. They are not an exhaustive list, nor do they replace local decision-making and expenditure approval processes.
All expenditure should support SSAFA's charitable objectives, align with local Community Engagement plans, represent good value for money, and be approved in accordance with SSAFA regulations and governance requirements.
The examples included have been drawn from activities previously undertaken across the network and demonstrate how Community Engagement funding can support volunteer recruitment, beneficiary engagement, partnership development, fundraising, awareness raising and community connection.
Examples of Expenditure in support of Community Engagement Activities
Local discretion - Where the cost of Engagement related activities or expenditure falls between £0.01 - £4,999.99 Branch Chairs can approve Community Engagement expenditure where it supports SSAFA's charitable objectives and local delivery plans.
Here are some examples of expenditure that supports the delivery of community events and activities.
SSAFA Colour Run - SSAFA Branch - June 2026 - Total Cost £1,050
Objective of the event: Deliver a family-friendly community engagement event that raises awareness of SSAFA, engages the local Armed Forces community, attracts potential volunteers and generates income through fundraising.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Event/Venue/Space Hire | £250 |
| Colour powder (200 participants) | £500 |
| Participant bibs / wristbands | £150 |
| Volunteer refreshments | £50 |
| Posters, flyers and promotion | £120 |
The branch allocated just over £1000 towards the delivery of a community colour run designed to engage local Armed Forces families, raise awareness of SSAFA services and attract new volunteers. Funding contributed towards event materials, colour powder, promotional resources and participant facilities. Additional donations and participant income offset a proportion of event costs, resulting in a well-attended community event that strengthened local partnerships and increased awareness of SSAFA.
Support to third-party activities
- Branches can contribute to activities run by other organisations (for example, veterans' hubs, breakfast clubs or drop-ins) where this supports SSAFA objectives and avoids duplicating existing provision.
- This support is limited to £1,500 per annum per branch
Here are some examples of expenditure that supports the delivery of community events and activitie in collaboration with third party organisations.
Breakfast Club - SSAFA Branch - March 2026 - Total Cost £250
Objective of the event: Support a local Armed Forces Breakfast Club event that brings together veterans, serving personnel, families and the wider Armed Forces community, helping to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing and increase awareness of SSAFA services.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Event/Venue/Space Contribution | £100 |
| Refreshments and catering | £100 |
| Event materials and signage | £50 |
Projects over £5,000
Any activity or project with a total cost of more than £5,000 requires:
- A formal business case.
- Submission via the Director of Welfare Operations.
- Approval from the CEO before expenditure is committed.
- Expenditure must not be artificially divided into smaller amounts to avoid the £5,000 approval threshold.
Here are some examples of expenditure that supports the delivery of community events and activities where the total cost is in excess of £5,000
Examples of activities that may exceed the £5,000 threshold include major community projects, regional events, large-scale beneficiary support initiatives, significant improvements to community facilities, or the purchase of substantial equipment for ongoing community engagement activity. These activities are not prohibited; however, they require a business case and appropriate approval before expenditure is committed.
Veterans Community Hub - Total Cost £13,500
Objective of the event: Create a dedicated community hub/Green space for veterans, serving personnel, families and volunteers, providing a welcoming space for social connection, activities, support services, partner organisations and community engagement.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Building refurbishment and decoration | £4,000 |
| Furniture | £2,500 |
| IT Equipment/WIFI | £1,200 |
| Kitchen Equipment | £1,000 |
| Signage/Branding | £600 |
| Other associated costs | £5,200 |
For advice on Community Engagement expenditure, activity planning or business case requirements, please contact your Community Engagement Manager, Regional Manager or the Community Engagement Team. They can provide guidance on good practice, governance requirements and opportunities to maximise the impact of local activities.