Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force's leading welfare charity, providing lifelong support to serving and former members of the Royal Air Force and their families. Established in the aftermath of the First World War, it offers financial, practical, and emotional assistance to those in need due to circumstances such as injury, bereavement, or old age. The fund operates independently of the Ministry of Defence and is a registered charity reliant on public donations and legacies to continue its work.

History

The fund was founded in 1919 by Hugh Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard, the first Chief of the Air Staff, recognizing the urgent need to support airmen and their families affected by the recent conflict. Its creation followed the establishment of the independent Royal Air Force in 1918 and paralleled the work of older service charities like the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Army Benevolent Fund. Early efforts focused on aiding widows and orphans from the First World War and supporting veterans of the nascent air service. Throughout the Second World War and subsequent conflicts, including the Falklands War and operations in Afghanistan, the fund significantly expanded its remit to meet evolving needs. Key milestones include the launch of its first major public appeal in 1943 and the establishment of a dedicated welfare visiting service in the post-war era.

Mission and activities

The fund's mission is to provide support to the entire Royal Air Force family, encompassing serving personnel, veterans, and their dependants. This support is delivered through a range of services including financial grants for essential costs, specialist advice on issues like debt and housing, and funding for mobility equipment and home adaptations. It also offers emotional support through counselling services and assists with care costs for the elderly, including residents at its own Princess Marina House respite centre in Rustington. Furthermore, the fund contributes to community initiatives, supports Royal Air Force Association branches, and partners with organizations like the RAF Museum on heritage projects that aid wellbeing.

Governance and structure

The fund is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes senior retired officers and individuals with expertise in finance, law, and charity management. The President is typically a serving or former senior officer, such as Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Executive and a professional staff based at its headquarters in London's 67 Portland Place. Regional teams across the United Kingdom and liaison officers stationed at major Royal Air Force bases, such as RAF Brize Norton and RAF Lossiemouth, ensure local delivery of services. The fund works closely with other military charities, including the RAF Charitable Trust and SSAFA, to coordinate support.

Fundraising and finance

As an independent charity, the fund relies entirely on voluntary donations, legacies, and fundraising events to generate an annual income exceeding £20 million. Major fundraising initiatives include the annual RAF Benevolent Fund Week, participation in the London Marathon, and partnerships with corporate supporters. It also receives income from its trading company and investments. Financial oversight is provided by the Board of Trustees, with accounts audited annually and published in accordance with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. A significant portion of expenditure is directed towards welfare grants and support services, with detailed breakdowns provided in its annual report.

Notable support and campaigns

The fund has been involved in numerous high-profile campaigns and has provided support during major national events. It played a key role in supporting veterans and families following the Battle of Britain and the Berlin Airlift. More recently, it launched the "We Will Remember Them" campaign to support the last surviving veterans of the Second World War. It has also provided critical assistance to personnel injured in modern conflicts and runs ongoing awareness campaigns, such as "Make a Stand," to reach isolated veterans. The fund's patron is Anne, Princess Royal, and it regularly receives support from figures within the Royal Family and celebrities from the entertainment and sports worlds.