Aims/priorities: The Paddle Trust, founded as the Canoe Foundation in 1986 and rebranded in 2025, is a UK wide foundation which raises money for and directly funds projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It relies on donations to support their projects.
The funding is intended for projects across the UK that will:
- Increase or enhance existing public access points to water for all forms of paddlesport.
- Create launching and landing sites, to and alongside water, for all sectors of the community and all abilities, that are designed to be durable and use sustainable materials when applicable.
- Protect and enhance natural blue spaces such as rivers or coastline.
- Are “ready to go”. Planning permission must have been researched and granted or agreed in principle, and quotes for the work obtained.
Who can apply: Applications will be accepted from:
- Clubs, community groups, Parish Councils, Local Authorities or anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water for recreational users and protecting the environment.
- Organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the use of the improvements on an ongoing basis.
Grant amount: Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available.
Application process: There are usually two funding rounds per year.
The next funding window is open for applications from 23 October 2026 to 7 December 2026.
The guidance notes can be found on the Paddle Trust website. An online application form is available once the scheme opens on the funder's website: https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/apply/
Deadline: 7 December 2026
Contact: https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/contact-us/
Website: https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/