Starting my own charity — aviation scholarships

Like most people drawn to this organisation, I’m incredibly passionate about youth development. I do a couple of volunteer gigs and I see remarkable young adults digging deep for the betterment of their communities, and so while my initial thoughts focussed on getting my own air cadets airborne more often, I’ve decided to dream a little bigger.

I’m starting my own charity and the vision is to foster a practical interest in aviation. I will seek out remarkable young adults (such as those in the cadet forces) and award them modest scholarships. £200 can get a pretty meaty day of instruction and gliding and, unlike other providers of scholarships, there will be no focus on how much flying they’ve done or whether they want to be a pilot. If they’re good people and they serve their communities with distinction, I want to get them airborne.

As well as throwing £1000 of my own fun coupons into the pot, I’m going to try and run a half marathon every week of 2025 in order to grow the pot.

If you think this is worth supporting and you wouldn’t mind sharing around your networks, the more money I get, the more young adults can go flying!

If anyone wanted to donate with a specific recipient in mind, I’d be very happy to talk about that.

My announcement post and GoFundMe link are here:

5 Likes

If you’re looking for technical knowledge on operating charities (or trusts, as this really appears to be), I’m happy to be a sounding board or provide guidance.

I have a degree in NGO Management and multiple years of experience within the third sector in the UK and overseas. These days, I lead a development charity in Peru.

One thing to be careful of, that’s separate to the above; HQAC have been coming down on initiatives just like this one where they feel there is too much of a link between RAFAC and the charity/event/organisation. Personally, I don’t think they have the right to intervene but they do anyhow. Think about how to ensure the demonstrable independence of the charity from anything to do with RAFAC.

But good on you for putting yourself out there with this.

7 Likes

I would be very grateful for any advice on management actually. That was the first big question — what form it should take.

Despite being a separate entity, part of the reason for opening up the vision was because I didn’t want it to have essentially become a RAFAC support mechanism and perhaps fall foul of some of our rules.

This is inspired by the organisation’s vision but definitely separate.

2 Likes

@OC.1324 this idea is fantastic. It’s something that has been discussed on here before, especially during the proposed changes to CWCs. It’s exciting to see someone going ahead and trying it. I imagine it won’t be a simple thing to do, but there’s certainly some knowledgeable people on here who I’m sure will be willing to help.

I am very sorry to read about your cancer diagnosis on that post. There isn’t really anything I can say to help, as it’s not something I know a lot about. But I really wish you the best with the next steps.

2 Likes

Have done what I can with the current beer token situation. Will have a think what else I could do to help out.

1 Like

Thanks very much!

The cancer thing should be alright. If I lose control of the pain management then I’m in a bit of trouble, as I don’t think I could endure that for long. Only so long one can go without sleep/rest.

There were people getting much worse news than me that day, but it’s focussed the mind nonetheless. I’m going to be hitting the ground running a little faster than I normally do…

Thanks so much to those have supported / reached out thus far. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

If anyone wants to join me for a run, let me know… :sweat_smile:

This is a great idea, and could give great and more opportunities for cadets for sure. Id definitely be interested in this.

1 Like

So an update on this… No longer setting up my own charity.

I’ve been unable to do an update with confidence because it wasn’t exactly clear what I could raise money for, which has sort of taken the wind out of the sails a bit.
The RAFAC said I had to pick between being a CFAV and starting my own charity to dish out flying grants because they’re too similar and open to confusion about which role is which. Fair enough.

Anyway, I’m going to donate money to things like local gliding clubs to help them get kids in the air who may not be able to afford it, or donate money to RAFAC units to put towards synthetic flying kit (particularly if the unit is struggling for cash).

It’ll be a mix of those things and I’m keeping it fluid so if doors close I’m not completely scuppered.

So, if you’re interested in supporting and sharing, my charity endeavour is plodding on nicely. I was ahead of the game, but I’ve been ill and lost my lead, so now I’m back on pace and probably just aiming for 52 half marathons in 52 weeks again. Full tally below.

If you’d like to help me raise some money with an aviation angle, link is below!

HM 33/52 (15 Aug 25): 2:22:21
HM 32/52 (12 Aug 25): 2:25:44
HM 31/52 (19 Jul 25): 2:12:41
HM 30/52 (8 Jul 25): 2:13:59
HM 29/52 (19 Jun 25): 2:13:02
HM 28/52 (14 Jun 25): 2:12:39
HM 27/52 (11 Jun 25): 2:13:36
HM 26/52 (6 Jun 25): 2:05:34
HM 25/52 (4 Jun 25): 2:13:11
HM 24/52 (1 Jun 25): 2:04:44
HM 23/52 (28 May 25): 2:07:33
HM 22/52 (25 May 25): 1:57:00
HM 21/52 (21 May 25): 2:24:51
HM 20/52 (16 May 25): 2:11:33
HM 19/52 (9 May 25): 2:10:34
HM 18/52 (7 May 25): 2:04:40
HM 17/52 (2 May 25): 2:11:28
HM 16/52 (29 Apr 25): 2:16:34
HM 15/52 (19 Apr 25): 2:05:03
HM 14/52 (5 Apr 25): 2:04:47
HM 13/52 (27 Mar 25): 2:02:30
HM 12/52 (23 Mar 25): 1:59:03
HM 11/52 (18 Mar 25): 2:07:09
HM 10/52 (13th Mar 25): 2:10:20
HM 9/52 (5th Mar 25): 2:16:24
HM 8/52 (22nd Feb 25): 2:14:01
HM 7/52 (18th Feb 25): 2:01:57
HM 6/52 (12th Feb 25): 2:34:53
HM 5/52 (3rd Feb 25): 2:08:40
HM 4/52 (26th Jan 25): 2:07:45
HM 3/52 (18th Jan 25): 2:17:06
HM 2/52 (12th Jan 25): 1:58:11
HM 1/52 (4th Jan 25): 2:05:22

Hat’s off to you.

I wouldn’t contemplate running 1 half marathon, yet you’ve already done 33 this year

Not the smartest decision I’ve ever made. :rofl: