If you have a project that will provide more access opportunities for paddlers (canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders) and are in need of funding of up to £10,000, the Canoe Foundation wants to hear from you. 

In the last four years the Canoe Foundation have awarded over £200,000 to paddling projects in the UK. Many are now completed and in active use, including new or improved access points for canoe trails on to moving water, estuaries, canals and reservoirs. These include improvements that are accessible by organisations or groups that provide great opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to enjoy a paddling experience. 

With more people than ever taking up paddlesports such as canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, the Canoe Foundation hopes to see a wide range of applications from paddling locations all over the UK. 

The latest funding window will be open from 1st November until 23:59 on 31st January 2024. More information can be found here.

The Canoe Foundation is looking for projects across the whole of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) 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 the natural blue spaces we enjoy such as rivers and coastlines 
• Are “ready to go”. Planning permission must have been researched and granted or agreed in principle, and quotes for the work obtained. We also need to see support from relevant local groups or partners (for example a letter of support), and evidence that the group has tried to get funding from other organisations or matched funding in place 

The Canoe Foundation welcomes applications 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 

Specifically, the Canoe Foundation is looking to fund: 

• 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 

Applications for this funding cycle will close on 31st January 2024 and will be carefully considered against the criteria by the Canoe Foundation Trustees before successful applicants are contacted. For further information, visit canoefoundation.org.uk or contact enquiries@canoefoundation.org.uk.