Aims/priorities: The Fund supports projects that encourage more young people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace by helping to address barriers to entry. Through a competitive funding process, it provides grants to outreach partners whose proposals contribute to the objectives of the Generation Aviation programme.
For the current funding round, the focus is on increasing the number of young people entering aviation careers and employment. Applications are assessed against published criteria, with funding awarded to projects based on the quality of their delivery proposals, in line with the Cabinet Office definition of a challenge fund.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from registered charities and organisations registered with Companies House.
This includes exempt charities and CICs provided the funded project does not generate profit in any form. Private limited companies may also apply if the funded project or programme is delivered entirely on a not-for-profit basis.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have a constitution/governing document.
- Have a verifiable UK bank account to receive funds.
- Be delivering a not-for-profit project.
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver their project.
- Be willing to submit to financial due diligence.
- Show compliance with any safeguarding processes.
- Be able to operate under a quarterly payment scheduled outlined in the grant funding agreement.
Organisations may submit more than one application provided they are for different and clearly distinct programmes.
Two or more organisations may submit a joint application.
Grant amount: The total fund for 2026/27 is £750,000.
There is no set minimum or maximum amount.
Total project costs should remain lower than £750,000.
Applicants are requested to submit 'gold, silver and bronze' funding ambitions with their application.
- Gold. The maximum amount the applicant organisations would like to request, allowing them to meet their most ambitious objectives and KPIs set out for the project.
- Silver. A reduction in ambition and therefore funding for the project. This should represent a midway point between the objectives and KPIs of gold and the minimum product represented by bronze.
- Bronze. The minimum funding request, representing a minimum viable output of the project.
Application process: The current guidelines and application form can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
Contact the Civil Aviation Authority for further information.
Deadline: Friday, 4 September 2026 (12:00).
Contact information: Email: skillschallengefundteam@caa.co.uk