The Rowing Foundation, a registered charity, offers grants to clubs, schools and organisations within the UK who are involved in rowing and need help in buying equipment or refurbishing a boat.

Although most of the Foundation’s grants go to UK Rowing Clubs, any club or organisation involved in ‘on water rowing-type’ activities can apply. Please note grants do not support kayaking, sailing or swimming.

The funding should either be for the benefit of young people or those in full time education, or for the disabled.

UK clubs and organisations can apply for grants to purchase equipment to assist their Adaptive Rowing programmes, and to encourage Adaptive Rowers of all ages.

There is particular interest in awarding a grant to any organisation who is helping to get more people with any type of disability out on to the water.

There are two funding streams:

  • Equipment grants of up to £4,000 in any three-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.

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.

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.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

  • Individuals.
  • Contribution to general funds.
  • To support sailing or swimming.
  • Groups in receipt of capital grants who have received a Foundation grant within the last three years.

The funders are extremely unlikely to make awards to help fund the purchase of ergometers or cox boxes/boat telemetry. Coaching, revenue or any commitments requiring long-term support are rarely approved.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is intended to help with the purchase of equipment such as boats, sculls, oars and essential safety equipment.

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 17 March 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.

For more information visit:Rowing Foundation