The Canoe Foundation’s grant programme is designed to improve accessibility to landing and launching facilities across the UK, thereby enabling water users from all sectors of the community to have an enjoyable and readily accessible experience. The Foundation particularly seeks to support projects that improve levels of participation in paddle sports for all people.
UK clubs, community groups, parish and town councils, local authorities and community partnerships with local paddle groups may apply for a grant of between £500 and £10,000 (with the occasional higher award) for projects that:
o Improve the quality of UK waterways and oceans through support, for example practical kits, for a clean-up or an improved natural habitat.
o Incorporate better accessibility or facilities at waterside locations which might improve the parking or changing aspects of a site, and
o Provide new or improved launching points in urban or rural locations or as part of a water trail, such as steps or pontoons. Linked promotion of access points including signage or maps to increase participation and use.
While matched funding is not an essential requirement, the Foundation will take it into account when assessing applications as it considers this demonstrates local support for a project.
Grants cab be used for such things as providing (please note that this is not an exclusive list):
o Designated or additional parking for water users.
o Improvements to pathways and accessible routes to the water’s edge.
o Launch and landing platforms, steps or ramps, and
o Signage and information that promotes positive behaviour (for example, Countryside code, “Check, Clean, Dry”, take your litter home).
Funding is not available for:
o Coaching/leadership education and training.
o Costs that benefit an individual.
o Facilities such as a clubhouse or storage for equipment.
o Purchase or hire of paddle sport equipment such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and accessories, or
o Staff or coaching costs/fees for paddle sport activities.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Foundation's website.
Funding for the Spring 2024 grants round opened on Wednesday 1st November 2023 and closes at 23:59pm on Wednesday 31st January 2024.
