rawlinson first became involved in charitable activities in 1991, when he was a founding member of the london international piano competition. he was the chairman of tusk from 2004 to 2013 and now chairs its development board. tusk is a uk charity that aims to protect wildlife, support communities and promote education in africa. he was chairman of the rainmaker foundation, a philanthropic movement which connects people with cause they care about from 2013 to 2015. he was deputy chair of global philanthropic until 2013. he is a co-founder and chairman of the online radio broadcasting foundation, which supports disadvantaged communities with a focus on young people. he was chair of trustees at ibtc portsmouth from 2016 to 2019, and is currently chair of governors at walhampton school in hampshire.