RAF Charitable Trust

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.

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

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

• Charitable foundation services
• STEM education programs
• Aviation youth engagement
• Military airshow events
• Scholarship and grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of Royal International Air Tattoo merchandise including clothing, memorabilia, and branded items through the official shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Big IdeascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Social 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 LabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Partners 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 FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Three-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 TechnologycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 April 2026Leading 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 TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025RAFCT 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025Partnership 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.
• EngineeringUKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2024RAFCT 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2024RAFCT 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 CancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity 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 TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners 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 EngineerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational 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 TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports 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)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFSDP 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 SystemscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHeadline 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 MartincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHeadline sponsor of RIAT's Inspire Stage. Major aerospace exhibitor in the Techno Zone with F16 test pilot presentations and industry displays.
• RAF Youth STEMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoyal 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 PilotsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/rafcharitable
• Facebookfacebook.com/rafcharitable
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rafcharitable
• Instagraminstagram.com/rafcharitable
• TikToktiktok.com/@rafcharitable

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RAF Charitable Trust