Royal Air Force Charitable Trust

RAFCT supports cause areas including STEM education, aviation enthusiasm and leadership development. It funds practical initiatives such as national STEM competitions, flying scholarships, aviation experience programmes, residential camps, airfield visits and skills-building for air cadets, serving and reserve RAF personnel and wider UK youth. The Trust targets scalable, high-impact projects that foster female and underrepresented participation in engineering, aviation and space. These are delivered through partnerships with schools, youth groups and specialist charities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The focus is on immersive, experiential programmes that build future skills and align with the RAF's legacy.

RAFCT invites applications from UK registered charities, academic institutions and community groups. It works with schools, youth groups and specialist charities that have expertise in STEM outreach and youth aviation. The Trust prioritises young people, RAF personnel (serving and reserve), air cadets and those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. There are no income thresholds or geographic restrictions, but a strong alignment with RAF and STEM themes is essential. Funding is by invitation only, so organisations typically need prior engagement with the Trust to be considered.

The Trust does not fund general welfare, benevolent aid, capital projects, unrestricted grants or emergency appeals. It distinguishes itself from relief-focused RAF charities by concentrating on catalytic investments in future skills and inspiration rather than ongoing welfare support.

RAFCT awards grants by invitation only, supporting multi-year projects that are allocated strategically. It favours partnerships with organisations that can deliver scalable, high-impact initiatives. The Trust does not operate open application rounds and external applicants require prior engagement to be considered for funding.