The Trust
Few fledgling charities could have dreamed of a better "rebirth" than the one enjoyed by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) following a reorganisation in 2005.
Since establishing itself as the latest addition to the Royal Air Force's family of charities, RAFCT has been providing financial support to a wide variety of projects and initiatives.
At the heart of the Trust is its commitment to young people, to initiate and develop within them an enthusiasm for aviation in all its guises. In doing so, the Trust aims to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals, whether engineers, pilots or ground crew.
To this end, RAFCT has forged strong links with the Air Cadet organisation, supporting activities that directly enrich the young cadets' training experience.
These have included funding flying scholarships, a trophy for Flying Excellence and the purchase of equipment for ATC training. RAFCT has also agreed to become a main sponsor of Air Cadet magazine and is providing bursaries, through the Maritime Air Trust, to support ATC cadets through their education at college or university.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust is also keen to support adventure training activities, most recently the Ulysses Trust's Expedition Jubilee Eagle, which organised a successful trip to Ghana for 20 cadets from Middlesex Wing.
One of the most recent Air Cadet initiatives to win the support of the Charitable Trust is the provision of flight simulators and radio equipment to support Commandant Air Cadets' plans to create 12 Regional Activity Centres across the UK.
Other charities within the RAF family are also benefiting from the success of the RAFCT.
RAFCT was also quick to engage with the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAF Museum to ensure that the aims and ambitions of the Trustees complement, rather than duplicate the outstanding and enduring work of those long-established charities.
But its not just veterans and the young who stand to benefit from the success of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. RAF stations have also been invited to apply for grants for projects that enhance the environment of service personnel and their families, particularly for projects benefiting those preparing for, or serving on, front-line deployments. Among the first to benefitwere RAF Odiham and RAF Honington.
 |
 |
