The Royal Australian Navy Relief Trust Fund (RANRTF or the 'Fund') was established in 1913 with the object of providing welfare assistance to serving and ex-serving members of the RAN and their families. The RANRTF provides a range of financial products and services in the form of General Purpose loans, grants and Special loans for reasons that may fall outside the guidelines for the specified products such as legal expenses or unexpected household debts.

As a Service fund, the RANRTF does not receive funding from the Defence Budget. The only sources of income for the Fund are donations from the RAN Central Canteens Fund and interest accrued from investments. Income is required to accrue sufficient reserves to provide loans and grants in excess of $7 million per year. Its operating costs comprise employee expenses, bank and administration fees, insurance cover, taxation and audit fees.

The RANRTF is administered by Trustees who are appointed by the Minister for Defence or a Minister Assisting. The Board of Trustees is responsible, through the Chief of Navy, Chief of Defence Force and Secretary, to the Minister for Defence, and is comprised of a Chair, nominated by the Chief of Navy, and six Trustees representing a cross section of Navy.