Our Vision
For serving RAF personnel to develop their full potential through sport and physical activities.
Our Mission
To enable serving RAF personnel to access sporting opportunities and physical activities.
Our Team
Your RAFCF Association Ambassadors
All RAF Sport Associations have an RAF Central Fund Ambassador who acts as your point of contact for the Fund and provides direct support when needed.
Find out who your RAFCF Ambassador is below.
Our History
1918
Non-public funds of disbanded units of the RAF were collated into two funds:
- Central Institute Funds (Officers)
- Central Institute Funds (Other Ranks)
1922
Formation of the Air Council Central Fund to collate from disbanded RAF units monies donated to support the welfare of others in RAF service by both commissioned and non-commissioned RAF personnel. The two funds were amalgamated into the Air Council Central Fund.
1922 - 1937
The continued input and amalgamation of non-public welfare funds to improve the amenities of service life for the benefit of serving personnel.
1937
Fund renamed ‘RAF Central Reserve Fund’ and the objectives of the Fund widened to allow for the provision of support towards the formation of Messes and Service Institutes at new RAF Units.
1943
Fund registered under its current name as the ‘RAF Central Fund’.
1993
RAF Sports Lottery established by the charity to generate additional funding to supplement income generated from invested monies.
2007
The Mechanics Fund amalgamated into the Fund with the objectives of providing enrichment funding to support RAF trainees.
2014
The Fund incorporated with charitable constitution which reconfirms its original charitable purpose of providing enduring support to our serving personnel.
2019
The Fund consulted with its beneficiaries and the Board agreed to position the charity upstream of the traditional welfare charities in a ‘prehabilitation’ role, building resilience in serving personnel through sport and physical activity.
2024
The Fund completed a groundbreaking merger with the RAF Sports Federation and 36 RAF Sport Associations, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of sports and physical activity within the RAF.
2026
The Fund successfully completed an additional 8 mergers of RAF Sport Associations.
The RAF Central Fund is the ultimate parent undertaking of The Royal Air Force Central Fund Trading Ltd (Company number 08747522). This private company limited by shares transfers all taxable profits to the parent charity annually via Gift Aid.
Latest News
NewsLatest News
Taking on the Hebrides: Two Sports, One Playground.
Discover the differences between powerkiting and windsurfing, explore the skills and thrills each sport offers, and find out why the Hebrides is the perfect setting for RAF enthusiasts. Plus, get the results from the 2026 RAF Championships.
16th October 2026
Latest Faces of The Fund
A Marathon Record Three Decades in the Making
RAF Flight Lieutenant Chris Davies made history at the Berlin Marathon, running 2:17:24 to record the fastest marathon time by an RAF athlete in almost 30 years. Discover his journey, training around RAF commitments and ambitions to break the all-time RAF marathon record.
9th October 2026
Latest News
Rowing Through the Ages: A Sport for Life
From Lake Bled to RAF Danesfield, discover how rowing continues to bring people together, with the RAF Rowing Club Masters crew showing that the sport truly is one for life.
7th October 2026
Latest Faces of The Fund
From Service to Sidecars – Racing for the RAF
Meet RAF Corporal Robert Atkinson, an elite athlete and accomplished sidecar racer, as he shares his motorsport journey, his ambitions to compete at British Championship level, and his unique role in the RAF’s pioneering land speed record project. Discover what drives his passion for racing and how he balances the demands of elite sport, motorsport and service life in the RAF.
14th September 2026