RAF Charitable Trust
RAF Charitable Trust is a UK-registered charity (No. 1176054) that promotes the Royal Air Force and inspires young people in STEM, powered by the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's largest military airshow, and a portfolio of schools and youth programmes delivered with defence and technology partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersFairford, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What RAF Charitable Trust does
RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT), registered in England and Wales as charity number 1176054, is a non-profit organisation that promotes the Royal Air Force, supports serving personnel and their families, and works to inspire young people aged 5–25 to pursue STEM careers. The charity is anchored by its operational arm, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), held annually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and described as the world's largest military airshow, drawing approximately 168,000 visitors in recent editions. Beyond the airshow, RAFCT runs an expanding portfolio of education and outreach programmes including eDrone racing, Junior RAF STEM Skills, Further Education Maths Challenge, Road to RIAT schools outreach, Scout badge schemes, the Inspire Leaders / Rockets For All space initiative, and the Race to RIAT esports competition.
The charity operates with a lean team of 22 employees, supplemented by a wider volunteer and partnership network that delivers programmes to 600+ schools, 50,000+ further-education students, and has cumulatively engaged over 750,000 young people since 2022. Its programme delivery is co-funded and amplified through a deep partner ecosystem spanning defence primes (BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin), technology firms (DXC Technology, EngineeringUK), academia (Imperial Space Lab), and youth-focused organisations (Jon Egging Trust, British Esports Federation, EDT Industrial Cadets).
RAFCT's revenue model is diversified across four principal streams: gate receipts and premium hospitality from RIAT, corporate sponsorship and partnership contributions from defence and technology suppliers, merchandise and on-event commercial sales, and individual donations including legacy giving. Programming revenue is heavily subsidised through grant-funded collaborations with corporate partners. The charity's headquarters is at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with administrative presence at HQ RAF High Wycombe.
RAF Charitable Trust firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RAF Charitable Trust
- Legal name
- The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust
- Website
- https://rafct.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RAF Charitable Trust is a UK-registered charity (No. 1176054) that promotes the Royal Air Force and inspires young people in STEM, powered by the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's largest military airshow, and a portfolio of schools and youth programmes delivered with defence and technology partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RAF Charitable Trust industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Charity and Youth STEM Education
- NAICS
- Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Philanthropic & Charitable Trust Services (FSAAANAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)
Keywords
Where RAF Charitable Trust is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fairford
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
RAF Charitable Trust business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- RIAT Event Revenue: The Royal International Air Tattoo is delivered as a not-for-profit event. All proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and commercial activities at the airshow are donated to RAFCT to fund its charitable STEM education programmes.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship: Partnership agreements with companies including DXC Technology, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and others who sponsor various STEM programmes, exhibits, and initiatives. Corporate supporters fund specific programmes or receive branding and engagement opportunities.
- Individual Donations: One-off and monthly donations from individual supporters. Options include online donations, telephone donations, and text-to-donate (£5 text TRUST to 70490). Gift Aid reclaim available for UK taxpayers.
- Legacy Giving: The charity accepts legacy gifts and bequests, encouraging supporters to leave charitable donations in their wills to extend their impact beyond their lifetime.
- Merchandise Sales: Sale of Royal International Air Tattoo merchandise including clothing, memorabilia, and branded items through the official shop.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | One-off donation options |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly giving programme |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
RAF Charitable Trust product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RAF Charitable Trust is a UK-registered charity that promotes the Royal Air Force and inspires youth through aviation-themed STEM education programs, scholarships, and engagement initiatives. It powers the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), a major military airshow held at RAF Fairford, using event proceeds and donations to fund its charitable activities.
Product overview
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust operates primarily as a grant-making charity powered by the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). Its product portfolio centers on the annual RIAT airshow as the flagship event, supplemented by extensive STEM education programs including: STEM competitions (Road to RIAT, Road to RIAT: Blast Off, Race to RIAT, Further Education Maths Challenge, If You Were an Engineer); education partnerships (Tech She Can, EngineeringUK, EDT Industrial Cadets, Jon Egging Trust); aviation scholarships (Junior Ranks/Officers Pilot Scholarship Scheme, Air Pilots Gliding Scholarships, Arkwright Scholarships); and grant programs for RAF Cadets and Scouts. The Techno Zone and Inspire Stage at RIAT serve as the primary public-facing exhibition spaces. Key new initiatives include Race to RIAT esports competition (launched 2026) and the Rockets For All space program.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) A military airshow held at RAF Fairford, powered by the RAF Charitable Trust, that raises funds for the trust's charitable activities and provides aviation engagement experiences for the public, aviation enthusiasts, and the RAF community.
- Aviation-themed STEM education programs STEM education initiatives that use aviation and the RAF as a context to inspire young people, particularly those connected to the RAF community, and build science, technology, and engineering engagement.
- Youth scholarships and grants Scholarships and grant funding provided to young people, particularly those within the RAF community, using proceeds from donations, sponsorships, and the RIAT airshow.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reached 750,000+ young people with STEM engagements since 2022, surpassing 500,000 target ahead of 2026 goal
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use RAF Charitable Trust
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
RAF Charitable Trust technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
RAF Charitable Trust partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Big IdeascoreSocial impact organisation specialising in educational enrichment and inclusion. Partners with RAFCT on Rockets For All programme, bringing excitement of rockets and space careers to UK classrooms through accessible rocketry challenges.
- Imperial Space LabcorePartners with RAFCT and Big Ideas on the Rockets For All programme's new Inspire Leaders component. Dr Simon Foster at Imperial Space Lab contributes expertise to the youth-led leadership challenge pilot.
- British Esports FederationcoreThree-way partnership for Race to RIAT eDrone racing competition targeting 14-16 year olds. The British Esports Federation manages participant registration and delivers the competition using Velocidrone simulator software, with races between April 20th and June 14th culminating in finals at RIAT.
- DXC TechnologycoreLeading enterprise technology and innovation partner sponsoring the Race to RIAT competition and If You Were an Engineer programme. DXC supports the initiative to equip young people with digital and engineering skills needed for the future workforce.
- Jon Egging TrustcoreRAFCT joined as Premier Partner for the Blue Skies programme in Wiltshire. The programme supports young people aged 12-16 who face barriers to engaging at school, using dynamic STEM settings to raise aspirations, self-belief, and resilience.
- MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry)corePartnership for the Further Education Maths Challenge programme supporting 16-19 year olds yet to achieve Grade 4+ in GCSE Mathematics. Involves 10 regional centres, over 80 colleges, and more than 40,000 students across England and Wales.
- EngineeringUKcoreRAFCT became headline partner of EngineeringUK's Big Bang at School Blueprint initiative. As part of the partnership, RAFCT is funding direct delivery of STEM days at 10 London schools, with young people participating in inspiring STEM days with hands-on science and engineering activities.
- EDT (Engineering Development Trust)coreRAFCT is headline partner of EDT's Industrial Cadets Pathway of Programmes, designed to inspire and engage young people in STEM subjects. The partnership impacts over 50,000 students and includes accreditation for Road to RIAT and Road to RIAT: Blast Off competitions.
- Tech She CancoreCharity focusing on equipping young people, especially girls, to study technology subjects and choose tech careers. Partners on Safer Internet Day lessons reaching 20,000+ young people, and developing bespoke animations and lessons on space, cyber security, and sustainable transport.
- The Smallpeice TrustcorePartners on Road to RIAT and Road to RIAT: Blast Off competitions. The Smallpeice Trust runs the competition logistics and registration for the sustainable aircraft design challenge for primary schools and space-themed robotics challenge for secondary schools.
- Primary EngineerminorNational partner for If You Were an Engineer annual competition for primary and secondary school pupils aged 3-19. Pupils interview engineers to identify problems and create solutions, with regional winners showcased at RIAT.
- Ulysses TrustminorSupports adventurous training for Cadets and University Air Squadrons through the Inspire Adventure Award and partnership with Ulysses Trust for air-focused CADET and UAS expeditions developing leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
- Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP)minorFSDP provides flying scholarships for disabled adults to build confidence, self-esteem, and future aspirations through aviation experiences. RAFCT sponsors scholarships as part of its mission to inspire young people in air, space, and technology.
- BAE SystemscoreHeadline sponsor of RIAT and exhibitor in the Techno Zone with extensive aerospace displays. Signatory to the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter supporting UK Net Zero ambitions.
- Lockheed MartincoreHeadline sponsor of RIAT's Inspire Stage. Major aerospace exhibitor in the Techno Zone with F16 test pilot presentations and industry displays.
- RAF Youth STEMcoreRoyal Air Force Youth STEM team collaborates on multiple programmes including Road to RIAT, Scouts Air Activities badge, and various STEM-in-a-Box initiatives bringing RAF expertise into schools and youth settings.
- Honourable Company of Air PilotsminorPartnership for gliding scholarships offering opportunities to individuals over 18 who might otherwise not have resources to experience gliding. Scholarships cover direct training costs and residential accommodation for week-long courses.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RAF Charitable Trust competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Smallpeice Trust: Charitable trust promoting engineering careers among young people through competitions and residential courses. Directly comparable in trust structure, STEM competition delivery (Road to RIAT), and engineering scholarship model.
- EDT (Engineering Development Trust): UK STEM engagement charity running the Industrial Cadets programme of which RAFCT is Headline Partner. Directly comparable in mission (STEM pathways for young people), programme accreditation model, and school-based delivery.
- Tech She Can: Charity increasing tech participation, particularly among girls. RAFCT partners on Safer Internet Day lessons and bespoke content. Directly comparable in STEM/tech inclusion mission, school-based delivery, and corporate-supported operating model.
- Jon Egging Trust: UK charity inspiring disengaged young people through STEM settings; RAFCT is Premier Partner for Wiltshire on Blue Skies. Comparable in target beneficiary (at-risk youth aged 12-16), STEM-led intervention model, and partnership-driven delivery.
- EngineeringUK: Headline STEM education charity in the UK running Big Bang programmes. RAFCT is its headline partner on Big Bang at School Blueprint, making them directly comparable in mission (STEM inspiration for young people) and beneficiary audience (UK schools, ages 5-25).
- RAF Benevolent Fund: The principal RAF welfare charity, historically funded by RAFCT until 2005. Comparable as RAF-aligned charitable trust, UK operating geography, donor base (RAF family and supporters), and beneficiary overlap with RAF-serving youth.
- Army Cadets Charitable Trust: UK military youth-focused charity supporting Army Cadets and adventure training. Comparable in target audience (UK military cadets aged 12-18), adventurous training grants, and military-aligned charitable trust structure.
- Arkwright Scholarships Trust: UK engineering scholarship charity for sixth formers. RAFCT supports Arkwright Scholarships for aerospace/aviation candidates. Directly comparable in trust-based scholarship model, engineering focus, and corporate-sponsored bursary structure.
Broad incumbents
- Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity: Principal Royal Navy charitable body operating across a broader welfare and youth portfolio. Comparable as a UK armed-forces-aligned charity, though broader and less STEM-specialised than RAFCT.
- STEM Learning (formerly STEMNET): UK-wide STEM education charity and learning organisation operating national programmes. Comparable in STEM mission, school-based delivery, and corporate partnerships, but broader in scope and longer-established.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RAF Charitable Trust social profiles
Digital presenceRAF Charitable Trust financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RAF Charitable Trust leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
RAF Charitable Trust subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
RAF Charitable Trust funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RAF Charitable Trust M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RAF Charitable Trust
What does RAF Charitable Trust do?
RAF Charitable Trust is a UK-registered charity that promotes the Royal Air Force and inspires youth through aviation-themed STEM education programs, scholarships, and engagement initiatives. It powers the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), a major military airshow held at RAF Fairford, using event proceeds and donations to fund its charitable activities.
Is RAF Charitable Trust a public or private company?
RAF Charitable Trust is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was RAF Charitable Trust founded?
RAF Charitable Trust was founded in 1950. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RAF Charitable Trust based?
RAF Charitable Trust is headquartered in Fairford, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RAF Charitable Trust make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. RIAT Event Revenue is the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship, individual Donations, legacy Giving and merchandise Sales.
Who are RAF Charitable Trust's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Smallpeice Trust, EDT (Engineering Development Trust), Tech She Can, Jon Egging Trust, EngineeringUK, RAF Benevolent Fund, Army Cadets Charitable Trust and Arkwright Scholarships Trust. Broad incumbents are Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and STEM Learning (formerly STEMNET).
Does RAF Charitable Trust have an API?
No public API is recorded for RAF Charitable Trust.
What industry is RAF Charitable Trust in?
RAF Charitable Trust's product category is Aviation Charity and Youth STEM Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAAANAI, Philanthropic & Charitable Trust Services, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAA, Private Foundations. Its NAICS code is 81321.