Our Values & Objectives

The Connaught Trust is a charity dedicated to supporting the development and wellbeing of Reserve Forces and Cadets in the southern counties of England. Through carefully targeted grant funding, we enable young people and reservists to grow through training, challenge, and service.

We seek to invest in the potential of future leaders, promote resilience, and enrich the experience of those who serve—by supporting everything from adventure training expeditions and summer camps, to welfare initiatives, classroom tools, and transport facilities.

Supporting Reserves and Cadets for 140 years

The origins of The Connaught Trust can be traced back to 1885 and there is a fascinating history - click here to read more.

The Connaught Trust is a UK registered charity, with a Board comprising individuals who have proud association with Reservist organisations and who now work in a voluntary capacity to support the next generation of reservists and cadets forces. Click here to find out more about our Trustees.

Our Core Values

Service - We are committed to serving Reserve Forces and Cadets by responding to their practical needs with funding that makes a real difference.
Integrity - We operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability in all aspects of our grant-making and governance.
Opportunity - We believe every cadet and reservist should have access to meaningful experiences—regardless of background or resources.
Development - We support projects that build leadership, teamwork, skills, and confidence, helping individuals thrive both in and beyond military life.
Community - We work to strengthen local communities by supporting the individuals and units that serve them.

Our Focus Area

We primarily fund Reserve Forces and Cadets located in Hampshire and The Isle of Wight. Subject to sufficient funds being available, we also aim to fund units in the adjoining counties of Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.

Who We Support

We support charitable activities of units of the Army Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Air Training Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Combined Cadet Force throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and, in so far as funding being available, across surrounding counties.

The Connaught Trust provides funds to promote the military efficiency of all ranks serving in units of the Army Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserves.

Grant applications are welcome at any time throughout the year and you can apply as many times as you wish, whether you have received a grant from us before or not.

Applications are considered and grant funding awarded 3 times per year following Trustee Meetings which usually take place in April, July and November. For more information on grant applications please click here.

Our Charitable Objectives

1. To promote the military efficiency of all ranks serving in units of the Army Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserves and such other Reserve units as established by the Ministry of Defence, in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

2. To support the charitable activities of units of the Army Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Air Training Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Combined Cadet Force and such other Cadet units recognised as a Service Cadet Organisation by the Ministry of Defence, in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

3. If and in so far as the income and capital of The Connaught Trust cannot be applied towards the objects above in the area specified, it may be applied towards the same objects in Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.