History of the Trust
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) came into being in January 2005 following a governance review of the RAF Benevolent Fund, which led to the reorganisation of the RAF Benevolent Fund Development Trust (RAFBFDT). The RAFCT has retained the objectives of the RAFBDT although its scope has been widened to include the RAF family of charities as potential beneficiaries.
- 3 July 1950 – Formation of RAFBFDT. Launched with a £30,000 grant from the Air Council with the express purpose of financing and assisting 'aerial pageants and displays' reminiscent of 1920s in order to promote the RAF.
- Late 1960s – RAF 'at Home' days and air-shows supported by RAFBFDT became effectively inactive.
- 1971 – First annual Embassy Air Tattoo held at North Weald Aerodrome, organised by the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), and sponsored by 'Wills' Tobacco Company.
- 1975 – RAFA cancelled Air Tattoo following withdrawal of major sponsor.
- 1975 - Air Marshal Denis Crowley-Milling, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, wanted to re-establish military air-shows as a way to raise money and awareness for RAFBF and to aid recruitment to the RAF, and stepped in.
- 1976 – The first International Air Tattoo was held at RAF Greenham Common, organised by the RAFBDF.
- 1988 – Trading subsidiary, the RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises formed to undertake primary air-show activity. Therefore, RAFBDF became inactive again.
- 18 February 1994 - the objectives of the Trust were widened to include charitable purposes which were of benefit to past and present members of the RAF.
- 2004 - governance review recommended the RAFBDF shift its focus away from air-shows, the seed was sown for another charity to take over the ownership of the world-famous Air Tattoo and its parent company
- Late 2004 - The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust – the new name for the Development Trust - received Ministerial approval.
- January 2005 – RAFCT and the new organisation was established
- 2005 - HRH the Duke of Kent became patron of the Air Tattoo to include the charity and a Board of Trustees was established, chaired by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight.
- July 2008 – Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire succeeded ACM Sir Mike Knight as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
- 2011 – The Trustees agreed a new Mission Statement and the aims and objectives of the Trust were clarified and a new enhanced logo was adopted.
