The Rowing Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £150,000+ (2024)
• Grant Range: £500 - £4,000
• Maximum Per Organization: £4,000 in any five-year period
• Decision Time: Equipment grants reviewed 3 times per year; refurbishment grants rolling
• Match Funding Required: 50%
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide
• Grants Awarded: 51 clubs (2024)

Contact Details

Website: http://www.therowingfoundation.org.uk

Email: applications@therowingfoundation.org.uk

Phone: 01932 855662

Enquiries Email: enquiries@therowingfoundation.org.uk

Pre-Application Support: Trustees are available to discuss potential applications with clubs before submission.

Overview

Founded in 1980 with the mission of “putting young people on the water,” The Rowing Foundation is a UK charity (registered number 281688) that provides equipment and refurbishment grants to rowing clubs and organizations. The Foundation has expanded its original focus on junior rowing to also support adaptive rowing programs for participants of all ages. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over £150,000 in grants to 51 clubs across the United Kingdom. Operating with seven volunteer trustees and supported primarily by the Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust—a partnership spanning 30 years—the Foundation maintains a lean operation with total annual income of approximately £61,000, supplemented by drawing on reserves to maintain grant-making levels. The Foundation's approach emphasizes grassroots support for equipment purchases and boat refurbishments, enabling clubs to develop junior and adaptive rowing opportunities without providing ongoing revenue support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Equipment Grants: Up to £4,000 (50% match funding)

• For new equipment purchases including boats, blades (oars/sculls), and essential safety equipment
• Applications reviewed three times per year by trustees
• Online application process
• Next deadline: 12 noon, Monday 2 February 2026

Refurbishment Grants: Up to £4,000 (50% match funding)

• For “hull and tops service” and approved repair work on boats
• Rolling basis with no fixed deadlines
• Boats must be used exclusively by juniors, those in full-time education, or adaptive rowers
• Requires handwritten letter from a junior rower (J14 category) or student/adaptive rower
• Requires copy of repair quote

Adaptive Rowing Grants: Up to £4,000 (50% match funding)

• Equipment to assist adaptive rowing programs
• No age limit for adaptive rowers
• Available to UK clubs and organizations

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

• Junior rowing (under 18, or under 23 if in full-time education)
• Adaptive rowing for all ages
• Equipment provision for grassroots clubs
• Participation in “on-water rowing-type activities”

Who Can Apply:

• UK rowing clubs affiliated with British Rowing
• University boat clubs
• Gig clubs
• Scout groups with rowing programs
• Any club or organization involved in on-water rowing-type activities

Specific Requirements:

• Must have safeguarding procedures in place
• Must be open to new members
• Must demonstrate capacity to provide 50% match funding
• Must be for a specific project, not general funds

What They Don't Fund

Excluded Items and Activities:

• Coaching fees
• Cox boxes
• Ergometers
• Lifejackets
• Launches
• Pontoons
• Canoeing/kayaking equipment
• Elite rowing purposes
• Revenue support or commitments requiring long-term support
• General funds (must be for specific projects/purchases)
• Grants to individuals

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Governance and Leadership

The Rowing Foundation is governed by seven volunteer trustees selected for their diverse rowing knowledge and experience. All trustees and officers serve without remuneration, ensuring that donated funds are directed entirely toward grant-making activities. The Foundation operates with two additional volunteers and maintains a lean administrative structure.

The charity is supported by two trustees who serve as authorized officers to endorse grant terms and conditions on behalf of the Foundation.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Equipment Grants:

1. Specify grant request (£0-£4,000)
2. Describe specific project purpose and costings
3. Confirm ability to match 50% of expenditure
4. Optionally upload quote/invoice (max 2MB)

Refurbishment Grants:

1. Complete online application form at therowingfoundation.org.uk/application-for-a-refurbishment-grant/
2. Include handwritten “Letter of Support” from a junior rower (J14 category) or student/adaptive rower
3. Provide copy of repair quote for “hull and tops service”
4. Confirm club's matching funds are available
5. Two club officers must endorse grant terms if awarded

Pre-Application Contact: Trustees encourage clubs to contact them to discuss potential applications before submitting.

Decision Timeline

Equipment Grants: Reviewed three times per year at trustee meetings

• Applications typically decided within weeks to months of each review deadline
• Deadlines set throughout the year (e.g., February, September)

Refurbishment Grants: Awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year

• No specific deadline
• Processed as applications are received

Notification: Successful applicants notified by email

Success Rates

In 2024, the Foundation awarded grants to 51 clubs with total giving exceeding £150,000. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, but the Foundation's willingness to discuss applications in advance suggests a supportive approach to helping clubs develop strong proposals.

Reapplication Policy

• After receiving a capital grant, clubs must wait at least three years before reapplying
• Maximum of £4,000 can be awarded to any club, school, or organization in any five-year period
• This £4,000 limit applies as a total across both equipment grants and refurbishment grants combined
• Clubs that have previously received grants are eligible to reapply after the waiting period

Application Success Factors

Match Funding Requirement: All grants require 50% match funding. Applications must confirm that the club's share of funds is already available—not just anticipated. This is a critical eligibility factor.

Specific Project Focus: The Foundation emphasizes that grants must be for specific projects or purchases, not contributions to general funds. Applications should clearly articulate what equipment will be purchased or what boat will be refurbished, with detailed costings.

Junior and Adaptive Focus: Priority is given to equipment that encourages participation by young people or disabled individuals. For refurbishment grants, boats must be used exclusively for juniors, those in full-time education, or adaptive rowers. Equipment grants should demonstrate how the equipment will benefit these priority groups.

Safety Equipment: Essential safety equipment is fundable, but standard safety items like lifejackets and launches are excluded. This suggests a focus on equipment that directly enables rowing rather than ancillary items.

Letter of Support: For refurbishment grants, the requirement for a handwritten letter from a J14 junior rower or student/adaptive rower demonstrates the Foundation's commitment to centering young people's voices. This letter should explain why the boat refurbishment matters to the rower.

Membership Diversity: The application form asks for detailed membership breakdowns including gender and adaptive participation. This suggests the Foundation values clubs that are working toward inclusive membership.

British Rowing Affiliation: While most grants go to British Rowing-affiliated clubs, the Foundation also considers other organizations involved in “on-water rowing-type activities” such as gig clubs and Scout groups, indicating some flexibility.

Trustee Pre-Application Discussions: The Foundation explicitly states that trustees are available to discuss potential applications. Taking advantage of this opportunity can help clubs understand whether their project aligns with Foundation priorities and strengthen their application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Confirm match funding availability first: The 50% match funding requirement is non-negotiable, and you must confirm funds are already available, not just projected
• Focus applications on junior or adaptive rowing impact: Clearly demonstrate how the equipment or refurbishment will benefit young people (under 18 or under 23 in full-time education) or adaptive rowers
• Be specific about the project: Provide detailed costings, quotes, and clear explanation of what will be purchased or refurbished—general fund requests are not considered
• Understand the five-year limit: Track your previous grants carefully; the £4,000 maximum applies across all grants in a five-year period
• Time your application strategically: Equipment grants are reviewed three times per year, while refurbishment grants are rolling—choose the route that best fits your timeline
• Consider pre-application contact: Trustees welcome discussions about potential applications—use this opportunity to validate your project's fit before investing time in a full application
• Include the personal touch for refurbishment grants: The handwritten letter from a junior or adaptive rower is required and should authentically convey the rower's perspective on why the boat matters

References

1. The Rowing Foundation official website - https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/
2. The Rowing Foundation “Who We Are” page - https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/about/
3. The Rowing Foundation “Equipment Grants” page - https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/equipment/
4. The Rowing Foundation “Refurbishment Grants” page - https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/refurbishment/
5. The Rowing Foundation “Recent Grants” page - https://www.therowingfoundation.org.uk/recent-grants/
6. UK Charity Commission Register - The Rowing Foundation (Charity Number 281688) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/281688/charity-overview
7. Funding Scotland - The Rowing Foundation overview - https://funding.scot/funds/a0Rb000000FwanFEAR/the-rowing-foundation
8. Supporting Communities - “Rowing Foundation Accepting Grant Applications for 2025 Projects” - https://supportingcommunities.org/funding-news-1/2025/2/4/rowing-foundation-accepting-grant-applications-for-2025-projects