Capital grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available to UK clubs, community groups, parish and town councils and local authorities for projects that improve accessibility to waterways and canoeing facilities, thereby encouraging greater use.
The Canoe Foundation was formed in 1986 to support paddlers around the UK. As the paddling world has evolved so has the Canoe Foundation. As a result, the Foundation has changed its name to the Paddle Trust (although it's still registered with the Charity Commission as the Canoe Foundation).
The Canoe Foundation/Paddle Trust has awarded over £700,000 in grants. £380,000 of these relate to project applications in the last 5 years and the focus on improving access to water and the quality of our waterways for paddlers. These projects support the development and use of water spaces for a broad community of paddlers and often assist other water users as well.
To celebrate its change of name, the Paddle Trust has announced a new funding window, with a total of £100,000 available to projects across the UK.
The Paddle Trust welcomes applications from groups and organisations, such as paddling clubs, community groups and local authorities, as well as individuals with an active interest in improving access to water and the environment.
The Trust is looking for applications which benefit multiple users and user groups, with usage open to the general public. Projects should focus on accessibility, environmental awareness and durable impact. Some key focus areas for funding are:
- The improvement of launching, landing and portage sites, such as accessible pontoons, towpaths and walkways and pontoon hoists.
- The installation of signage and information, promoting positive behaviour and educating water users on how they can respect and protect their environment, and
- The enhancement of access to water for all sectors of the community, including in less advantaged areas.
It is important that projects applied for are ‘ready to go’. This means planning permission must have been researched and granted or agreed in principle, and quotes for the work obtained. The Trust also needs to see support from relevant local groups or partners (for example a letter of support from them), and evidence the group has matched funding in place or has tried to get funding from other organisations.
Grants are expected to be in the range from £500 to £10,000. The Paddle Trust are not able to consider applications relating to coaching or leadership or the purchase or hire of equipment such as paddle craft and accessories.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Trust's website.