Canoe Foundation

Overview

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 or coastline
• 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 from them), and evidence that the group has tried to get funding from other organisations or matched funding in place

The projects supported include:

• Launch and landing platforms, steps or ramps.
• Improvements to pathways and accessible routes to the water’s edge.
• Signage and information that promotes positive behaviour (Countryside Code, “Check, Clean, Dry”, take your litter home etc).
• Designated or additional parking for water users.
• Works to address erosion and create more sustainable access points.
• Projects that actively engage water users in helping protect/enhance the waterway environment
• Projects that can benefit more than one user group.
• Projects that benefit all paddlers, rather than private member facilities

Applications are welcomed 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
• Organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the use of the facilities on an ongoing basis

How much is available?

Usually their funding cycle awards grants of between £500 to £10,000 to projects that fit the criteri. The Panel of Trustees will consider exceptional projects over £10,000.