One might ask what a charity is doing in such superb surroundings, but the Fund pays only a peppercorn rent for the property which it occupies on a lease exceeding 900 years. A branch of the Fund is also to be found in Queen Street, Edinburgh, which looks after cases of retired personnel and their dependants in Scotland. The Fund has its own trading arm, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises, located at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The RAF Benevolent Fund is not a membership organisation and receives no guaranteed income. Instead it relies on voluntary income from those who care about its work.
Additional money comes from legacies and investment revenue.
The RAF assists its charity whenever it can, donating money raised at airshows, open days and other fund-raising events. Generous support of the Fund is also given by the general public. Direct donations, attending events held in aid of the Fund, purchasing Fund merchandise or leaving something in a Will are valued ways of helping the Fund. Some years ago the Fund established its own trading company, the profits from which are covenanted to the charity at the end of each financial year. For those requiring urgent assistance, help can be almost instantaneous.