The Canoe Foundation, the official charity partner of British Canoeing, is a UK wide foundation which raises money for and directly funds projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Objectives of Fund
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:
- Paddling clubs
- Community groups
- Parish Councils
- Local Authorities
- Anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water and protecting the environment in the UK
- Organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the maintenance and use of the facilities on an ongoing basis.
Restrictions
The following will not be funded (this is not exhaustive):
- Coaching/leadership education and training.
- Purchase or hire of paddlesport equipment such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and accessories.
- Staff or coaching costs/fees for paddlesport activities.
- Costs that benefit an individual.
- Facilities such as a clubhouse or storage for equipment.
The funding will support:
- Launch and landing platforms, ramps and steps
- Improvements to pathways and accessible routes to the water’s edge
- Designated or essential additional parking for water users
- Works that create more sustainable access points
- Access improvement projects that actively engage and allow water users to protect/enhance the waterway or riverbank environment (e.g. by preventing bank erosion)
- Signage and information that promotes positive behaviour (eg Countryside code, “Check, Clean, Dry”, warnings of hazards or guidance on appropriate routes or trails)
- Projects that would benefit more than one user group
- Projects that benefit or provide opportunities to a wide range of paddlers rather than facilities limited to private members.
How To Apply
Applications will be accepted from 1 February to 28 February 2025.
An online application form is available from the Canoe Foundation’s website.
Contact the Canoe Foundation for further information.
Contacts
For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:
- Enquiries
Canoe Foundation
National Water Sport Centre
Adbolton Lane
Holme Pierrepont
Nottingham
NG12 2LU
Email: enquiries@canoefoundation.org.uk
