The Strategic Stability Programme (SSP) is the UK government’s initiative to address the growing risks that threaten international security and stability. These risks larger and more diverse nuclear arsenals, disruptive technologies proliferating rapidly, and international arms control arrangements failing to keep pace with these developments.
The programme exists because today’s security environment is more complex than during the Cold War, with more states acquiring advanced capabilities and global competition making escalation more likely.
To respond to these challenges, the SSP funds projects that help the UK and its partners better understand and reduce strategic risks. This includes building specialist expertise across government, strengthening cooperation with allies, improving international norms around emerging technologies, supporting responsible behaviour in space, and developing new approaches to deterrence and crisis management.
The programme works closely with the Ministry of Defence and the UK’s global overseas network, and within international fora, like the United Nations, NATO, and OSCE. It focuses on the regions where strategic competition is most intense, such as the Euro‑Atlantic, the High North, the Indo‑Pacific, and Northeast Asia, and works closely with organisations including NATO, the UN, and the OSCE.
How to apply
Read the Strategic Stability Programme guidance, which provides detailed information about the process and the strategic context.
Projects may be a single year and multi-year proposals (1 to 3 years) for financial years 2026 to 2027 and 2028 to 2029. In addition, projects can be a single state, multi-country, regional or global in scope.
To apply for funding, organisations should email a project proposal and an activity-based budget to [email protected] by 11:59pm UK time on 17 April 2026.
We recommend that potential bidders discuss proposals with the relevant policy leads in FCDO’s Security Policy Department before submitting them.
Email [email protected] to request contact details of policy leads or to submit general questions about the programme or the grant proposal process.
