A limited number of small grants are available to sailing clubs in England, Scotland and Wales to promote participation in boating by people who are disadvantaged due to their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances.
The charitable objectives of the RYA Foundation are "the promotion of participation in boating by those who are disadvantaged by reason of youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances". The Foundation provides grants to UK sailing clubs so that they can:
- Ensure equipment is fit for purpose for people of mixed abilities
- Have more members enjoying activities on the water
- Offer regular access to different water sports
- Provide trained instructors to develop individual skills and team co-operation, and/or
- Reduce social isolation
The Foundation offers several small grant programmes, namely:
- The RYA Foundation – this programme seeks to promote participation in boating by those in the UK who are disadvantaged by reason of youth, age, infirmity of disability, financial hardship or social circumstances.
- RYA Foundation Youth Fund – this is a new fund that supports young people and young sailors to achieve their potential in sailing.
- The Pathway Youth Fund – supports sailors on the British Sailing Pathway to continue their development and fulfil their potential.
Grants to organisations are open to RYA-affiliated sailing clubs and centres, as well as other non-RYA-affiliated charities, charitable companies, or not-for-profit boating organisations that develop facilities or programmes for disadvantaged people. RYA affiliation is preferred but not strictly essential for external charitable groups. Profit-making entities, statutory bodies, and individuals cannot apply.
Individual Grants via the RYA Foundation Youth Fund are open to committed young sailors under the age of 25 who lack financial backing or opportunities, rather than requiring RYA membership.
Further details and guidance about all of the above programmes, as well as online application forms, can be found on the RYA Foundation’s website.