The Air Cadet Charity is changing how funding works in 2026.

Three new dedicated grant programmes will be introduced to deal with high demand and high cost areas. This is intended to provide standardised equipment specifications and to promote faster funding decisions for units.

These grants will fund equipment approved for use by the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). We are currently finalising the items covered and these will be released in alignment with each grant programme.

What's Actually Changing?

To build on the success of our General Grants programme, we are introducing a tailored approach to funding. By dedicating specific programmes to our most requested items, we can process high demand grants more efficiently, allowing us to maintain the pace of support for units across the country.

‍Dedicated Grant Programmes (new for 2026)

The following categories will launch as individual programmes and are no longer eligible under our General Grants programme:

‍Adventure training equipment

·      Given the high demand for AT equipment, we are focusing on providing gear that meets the highest performance and safety benchmarks.

·      Using standardised kit lists ensures every item fully aligns with current RAFAC safety and training requirements, giving you total peace of mind.

Chromebooks

·      To provide the most effective and sustainable IT solution for units, our digital funding is now dedicated to Chromebooks.

·      Funding for alternative laptops or iPads will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where a specific, valid case is provided.

·      A dedicated funding window for Chromebooks will be announced soon, allowing you to submit requests for your unit’s requirements.

‍First aid equipment

·      To ensure all cadets train with the same high-quality resources, we are focusing our funding on a standardised suite of first aid equipment.

·      Grants will be available for equipment that specifically aligns with the current RAFAC training syllabus, ensuring your unit has the exact tools needed to deliver first aid qualifications.

Immersive technology (introduced in Dec 2025)

·      The Immersive Tech programme provides grants for flight simulation and Esports equipment, bringing cutting-edge technology to more units across the country.

·      To ensure long-term success and support, we are focusing on a coordinated national approach rather than individual, one-off grant requests.

·      This successful framework serves as the blueprint for our other new dedicated grant programmes, ensuring a smooth and familiar application process.

 Points to note

·      Each programme will have its own application route.

·      All programmes will be easily accessible on our website.

·      You can expect a similar application process to the Immersive Tech grant.

·      To ensure the fastest possible turnaround and avoid any delays, please ensure you select the correct programme for your kit. This helps us process your application immediately without the need for a restart.

‍General Grants Programme

Our General Grants programme reopens on 1^st April until 24^thJuly. Everything else lives in this programme, providing it supports RAFAC’s strategy:

Aviation
Flying, gliding, aerospace projects.

Adventure training
Expeditions, water sports, specialist instructors (not equipment – this will be covered in the Adventure Training programme).

Immersive training
VR and innovative training tools (not Esports or flight sims - these can be applied for via the Immersive Tech programme).

EnhanceEducation
BTECs,Scottish Qualification Awards (SQAs), Extended Project Qualifications (EPC)Crest Awards, Sustainability Awards, educational trips and visits.

Employability
Leadership, CV skills, life skills.

Health, wellbeing and sport
Mental health, inclusion, sporting equipment.

In short: if it aligns with RAFAC’s mission and isn’t in a dedicated grant programme, you can apply via the General Grant route.

Eligibility Check

Before applying for a General Grant, ask yourself:

·      Is it RAFAC approved?

·      Has it gone through the Chain of Command?

·      Can the unit store, maintain, and insure it?

·      Have you got costings and quotes ready?

Miss one of these and your application will likely be delayed/refused.

Air Cadet Development Scheme

Opening 1^st April until 24^th July, the Air Cadet Development Scheme prioritises applications for training, courses, and qualifications that demonstrate a clear, practical pathway into a specific career or employment. This includes apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and professional development courses.

Note: There’s no rolling funding for any of our grants. If you miss a window, you’ll need to wait until the next one.

Grant related queries should be directed to grants@aircadetcharity.org.uk

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