GrantRadar

Paddle Trust

Paddle Trust funding

Grants of £500 to £10,000 from the Paddle Trust (formerly the Canoe Foundation, Paddle UK's charity) for projects anywhere in the UK that improve public access to water for paddlers and protect waterways, such as launch platforms, steps, ramps, accessible paths and signage. Exceptional projects over £10,000 are considered. Projects must be ready to go, with planning permission and quotes in place. The next funding window runs from 23 October to 7 December 2026.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£500 – £10,000
Deadline
47 days left
7 December
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Paddling clubs, community groups, parish councils, local authorities, and anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water and protecting the environment, including organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the use of the facilities
  • Projects must be 'ready to go': planning permission researched and granted or agreed in principle, quotes obtained, support from relevant local groups or partners (for example a letter of support), and evidence of trying other funders or match funding in place
  • The person submitting must be an authorised signatory

What it funds

  • Launch and landing platforms, ramps or 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, or address erosion
  • Access improvement projects that actively engage and allow water users to protect or enhance the waterway or riverbank environment (e.g. by preventing bank erosion)
  • Signage and information that promotes positive behaviour (e.g. 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 members

What it will not fund

  • Coaching or leadership education and training
  • Purchase or hire of paddlesport equipment such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and accessories
  • Staff or coaching costs or fees for paddlesport activities
  • Costs that benefit an individual
  • Facilities such as a club house or equipment storage
  • Private access or launch points not open to the public or recreational paddlers
  • Environmental clean-up equipment such as litter pickers
  • Clearing of non-native invasive species

How to apply

  1. Read the Paddle Trust's funding criteria and application guidance
  2. Take advice from your local planning authority on whether planning permission is needed, and gather quotes and letters of support
  3. Complete the online application form on the Paddle Trust's funding page between 23 October and 7 December 2026, with full contact details, project location (postcode, What3Words or grid reference), costs, milestones and how the facility will be maintained
  4. Trustees consider applications and contact successful applicants to discuss next steps

funding is paid in arrears once work is completed. The Trust mainly gives grants but may consider a repayable loan case by case.

Have ready

  • Evidence of planning permission (granted or agreed in principle) or that it is not needed
  • At least two quotes for contracted work over £500
  • Letters of support from local groups or partners
  • Evidence of other funding sought or match funding
  • Photos, project plans and any other supporting information

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