Royal Air Force Charitable Trust

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2018, promotes the RAF's legacy by inspiring young people and RAF personnel to excel in air, space, and technology fields. Deeply tied to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), which generates funds and amplifies outreach, RAFCT's mission emphasises STEM education, aviation enthusiasm, and leadership development, prioritising national progress, innovation, and underrepresented youth, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds aspiring to RAF or STEM careers.

It funds immersive, practical initiatives like national STEM competitions (e.g., Schools Engineering Challenge), flying scholarships, aviation experience programmes, residential camps, airfield visits, and skills-building for air cadets, serving/reserve RAF personnel, and wider UK youth. Support targets scalable, high-impact projects fostering female and underrepresented participation in engineering, aviation, and space, delivered via partnerships with schools, youth groups, and specialist charities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Invite-only funding suits medium-to-large UK organisations with expertise in STEM outreach and youth aviation; no income thresholds or geographic restrictions apply, but strong RAF/STEM alignment is essential. Typical grants range from £10,000 to £75,000 for multi-year projects, allocated strategically without open deadlines or published processes—external applicants require prior engagement. RAFCT avoids general welfare, benevolent aid, capital, unrestricted, or emergency grants, distinguishing itself through catalytic investments in future skills and RAF-aligned inspiration, unlike relief-focused RAF charities.