Rowing Foundation

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to help organisations and clubs involved in 'on water' elements of the sport of rowing who may be too small to apply for larger sources of funding, such as a National Lottery grant. The foundation also offers funding towards the costs of the refurbishment of boats used by juniors.

Value Notes

There are two funding streams:

• Equipment grants of up to £4,000 in any five-year period; this can be comprised of a single grant or smaller grants aggregated over the period. Grants are for up to 50% of the overall project costs.
• Boat refurbishment grants of up to £4,000 for up to 50% of the costs of refurbishments of boats used by juniors.

Match Funding Restrictions

Grants are made for up to 50% of the cost to initiate projects when the applicant can demonstrate their ability to complete the project.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be considered from clubs, schools, or other organisations that are involved in the water elements of the sport of rowing. Most of the grants go to UK Rowing Clubs – but the funders may also support any club or organisation involved in 'on water rowing-type' activities.

To be considered for a grant, groups must be:

• Located in the UK.
• An established club with an active junior programme, or with existing facilities suitable for disabled rowers.
• Applying for a grant for a specific project and purpose. Vague requests such as “more equipment for our juniors” are unlikely to result in a grant award.

Applications for boat refurbishment grants are for any boat belonging to a UK rowing club which is used exclusively for juniors or those in full-time education.

Location

UK

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Canoeing, kayaking, sailing or swimming.
• Coaching fees, revenue or any commitment requiring long term support.
• Capital items such as pontoons, boat racking/storage or other building works.
• Launches or launch engines.
• Minibuses or trailers.
• Loud hailers or radios.
• Lifejackets.
• Ergometers.
• Cox boxes or other boat telemetry.
• Retrospective applications for equipment which has already been purchased.

Eligible Expenditure

The Equipment Grants are intended to help with the purchase of rowing/sculling boats, sculls, oars, riggers and parts thereof.

Boat Refurbishment Grants can be used towards the costs of refurbishing any boats being used exclusively for juniors.

How To Apply

There are two different application processes:

• Equipment Grants applications are normally considered three times a year. Application forms are available to complete online at the foundation's website. The next deadline for Equipment Grants applications is 26 May 2025 (noon).
• Boat refurbishment grants applications can be made at any time and are assessed on a rolling basis. An online application form is available on the foundation's website.

Boat refurbishment grant requests should include a handwritten letter from a junior rower who has been through the J14 category reflecting their passion for the sport and the need to get their boats refurbished.

Contact the Rowing Foundation for further information.