The Air Cadet Charity currently provides funding for the RAF Air Cadets Drones initiative and will continue to look at ways we can support aviation.

Grants are available to support equipment and activities that will enhance the cadet adventure training programme as well as making it more affordable. In the past the charity has supplied funding and grants for:
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• Overseas and UK expeditions
• Water sports
• Specialist instructors
• Equipment

Due to the high demand for equipment, we will be launching a new Adventure Training grant programme in 2026. This standardised AT package will focus on providing gear that meets the highest performance and safety benchmarks, and aligns with the RAFAC training requirements.

Exploiting Technology is about enabling access to modern, relevant tech that actually helps cadets build skills for today’s world. We fund equipment that assists training, supports learning, and develops practical digital skills.

It’s not just about cadets. The right technology also helps squadrons run more efficiently day-to-day, cutting admin time and improving how units operate.

Our new Chromebook grant programme is launching soon, designed to give squadrons access to reliable, standardised devices that support both cadet learning and RAFAC delivery.

Immersive Technology is focused on using cutting-edge tools to make training more engaging, realistic, and effective. Through our Immersive Tech grant, we fund things like VR, flight simulators, and esports equipment, all designed to create hands-on learning experiences that cadets actually remember.

Immersive tech:

• Builds real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment.
• Improves decision-making and reactions under pressure.
• Increases squadron engagement.
• Opens up access to experiences that would otherwise be too expensive or inaccessible.

The Air Cadet Charity continues to provide funding for BTECs, Scottish Qualification Awards (SQAs), Extended Project Qualifications (EPC) and Crest Awards and has recently approved funding for a Sustainability BTEC award for cadets.

The charity is also enthusiastic about supporting music and art initiatives that provide cultural experiences that are accessible to all cadets and offer wider educational enhancement.

Through the Air Cadet Development Scheme the charity provides grants for cadets and junior adult volunteers with their transition into full-time employment through grants for training or personal/professional development courses they wish to fund via the bursary.

We also support the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and can provide support to cadets to reduce the cost of participating in DofE Expeditions for Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Sport plays a vital role in the wellbeing of young people, and the Air Cadet Charity is proud to support sport for cadets. The Charity provides funding for the RAF Air Cadets Sports Leaders Courses, and grants to support cadets and adult volunteers to participate in RAF Air Cadet sporting events.

The Air Cadet Charity fund personal accident insurance for cadets, cadet force adult volunteers and civilian committee members as well as funding insurance for overseas trips.

We have also provided funding for Starlink capability to allow cadets the opportunity to stay connected with friends and family when taking part in national activities away from home such as the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).