The Air Cadet Charity CIO is a registered charitable incorporated organisation in England and Wales, dedicated to supporting the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Established with the aim of ensuring that young people have equal access to opportunities and activities, the charity focuses on enabling cadets to develop their full potential through various programmes and support initiatives[1][2].

History and Purpose

The charity, which was previously known as the Air Training Corps General Purposes Fund, has a history of over 60 years in providing support to young cadets. Its primary role is grant-making, offering financial assistance and funding to activities that enhance the skills, capacities, and capabilities of cadets within the RAF Air Cadet organisation[1][2].

Activities and Support

The Air Cadet Charity distributes grants and other forms of support to benefit cadets and personnel of the Air Training Corps. This includes funding activities and initiatives that promote personal development, education, and community engagement among youth members. Through its grants, the charity ensures that a broad range of developmental opportunities are accessible to all cadets regardless of background[1][2].

Governance

Registered on 16 March 2015 under charity number 1160910, the charity operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It maintains up-to-date charity reporting and adheres to a variety of governance policies including safeguarding, financial controls, risk management, complaints handling, and trustee conflicts of interest. The organisation is recognised by HM Revenue & Customs for Gift Aid purposes but does not own or lease any land or property[4].

Leadership

The governance team includes experienced trustees who bring diverse expertise to the charity. Notable trustees include Victoria Gridley, a chartered project and HR professional with extensive experience in government and transport sectors; Norman Murray, a former RAF cadet warrant officer with a distinguished business career; and Group Captain Mike Neville CBE, an ex-RAF officer with significant experience in both military service and charitable work supporting the RAF community[3].

Funding

The charity has received a range of grants from several funders totaling over £150,000. Major supporters include the Co-operative Group and Sport England, which have provided the majority of funding. Other contributors include the Garfield Weston Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation, and various community foundations. These funds support the charity’s remit to provide resources and opportunities to the Air Cadet community[5].

This organisation plays a vital role in supporting the development of young people within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets by providing financial backing and enabling access to enriching activities that foster growth, skills, and leadership.

[1] https://www.aircadetcharity.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1160910&subid=0 [3] https://www.aircadetcharity.org.uk/the-air-cadet-charity-team [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5048529/governance [5] https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/org/GB-CHC-1160910