Boeing’s life-changing funding for SSAFA continues in 2026

27 January 2026

Since 2015, Boeing has supported SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity with donations totalling more £400,000, funds that have changed and even saved lives.

Its 2026 grant to SSAFA will be split between the Boeing Crisis Fund and SSAFA’s Transitional Mentoring Programme. 

The Boeing Crisis Fund – awards are managed by SSAFA’s Grants Team – provides support towards urgent cases by disbursing funds quickly to those in critical need when, where, and how they need it.

SSAFA’s Mentoring Programme is a key aspect of its work and in 2025, supported more than 1,600 people. Briefly, it pairs a trained volunteer mentor with a service leaver with for up to a year to help with the transition into civilian life. 

Service leavers like Lee, a proud soldier. Diagnosed with a neurological disorder and medically discharged, he was left for grieving the career that ended too soon.

Like many veterans, Lee had to transition into a civilian life he was not prepared for. He then turned to SSAFA and was a assigned a mentor, Laurence.

Laurence was a veteran who knew only too well what a battle transitioning from military to civilian life could be. He had battled alone; he was determined Lee would not.

Said Lee: “I was able to share and talk with Laurence because I felt like we had shared trauma... We’ve both been in the military. We’ve both left. We both know what’s expected of a soldier, but only Laurence knew what was available to and expected of a veteran.”

Today Lee has forged a new career path. In June 2025, he was ordained a vicar in the Anglican church, watched on by a proud Laurence. The two remain firm friends.

"At Boeing we are proud to stand alongside SSAFA in supporting the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK. “Our long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering practical help, enduring support, and renewed opportunities for veterans and their families, because they deserve nothing less."

Commenting on the award, Air Marshal Steve Shell, the CEO of SSAFA, said: “On behalf of the beneficiaries, volunteers, and staff of SSAFA, I am extremely grateful to Boeing for its very generous contribution to our work in 2026.

“Boeing’s continuing support is driving positive, meaningful, and lasting change that benefits every member of the military family in their time of need.

“Put simply, without the support of companies like Boeing the impact and reach of our work could not be as effective, and so we greatly appreciate Boeing’s continued commitment to SSAFA and those we support, making sure that no veteran, no serving soldier, sailor, or aviator – or their families – ever battles alone.”