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 Faces of The Fund
Sarah Bonar: Serving with Pride, Competing with Purpose
On International Women’s Day, RAFCF Ambassador Flight Lieutenant Sarah Bonar’s story highlights dedication, resilience, and ambition.
8th March 2026
Latest News
Meet the 2026 RAFCF Athlete Ambassadors
The RAF Central Fund unveils its 2026 Athlete Ambassadors, celebrating RAF personnel competing at elite level while serving.
6th March 2026
Latest Faces of The Fund
Serving the Game – Kenny Martin’s Nomination for Referee of the Year
RAF Football referee Sgt Kenny Martin has been nominated for Scottish Lower League Referee of the Year 2026, a recognition that honours excellence across grassroots and lower league football in Scotland and celebrates officials who demonstrate leadership and consistency throughout the season.
20th February 2026
Latest Faces of The Fund
From Piano to Piste – Paralympian Shona’s Story
World Championship medallist and ParalympicsGB athlete, Cpl Shona Brownlee, started her career in the RAF as a musician, drawn to the Service for the variety of opportunities offered. However, when complications from an ankle injury resulted in a life changing operation, Shona took an opportunity during her rehabilitation that would change her life forever once again.
21st January 2026