The Rya Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £112,294 (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 8-12 weeks (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom

Contact Details

Website: www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation

Email: info@ryafoundation.org

Phone: 02380604100

Address: RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA

Overview

The RYA Foundation was established in 2013 as the official charity of the Royal Yachting Association, focused on breaking down barriers to water participation for disabled and disadvantaged people. With charity number 1084351, the Foundation operates through a volunteer board of trustees meeting quarterly, with no paid staff but administrative support from RYA staff. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed £565,000 to over 150 projects, helping nearly 15,000 people experience sailing and boating. In 2022, the Foundation expanded its scope when the John Merricks Sailing Trust transferred its remaining funds, creating the RYA Foundation Youth Fund for individual grants alongside traditional organisational funding.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• RYA Foundation Fund (Organisations): £1,000 - £5,000 for equipment, programmes and activities (rolling applications, quarterly decisions)
• RYA Foundation Youth Fund (Individuals): Variable amounts for under-25s showing promise but needing financial support (rolling applications)

Priority Areas

• Disabled sailing and Sailability programmes
• Youth participation in disadvantaged communities
• Equipment and safety provision for inclusive boating
• Volunteer recruitment and training
• Breaking down barriers related to disability, age, financial hardship or social circumstances

What They Don't Fund

• Profit-distributing organisations
• Statutory bodies
• Individual applications (except through Youth Fund)
• Projects not directly increasing sustained participation by target groups

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation operates with a small volunteer board of 8 trustees. Key personnel include:

Debbie Blachford (Chair): 20 years with RYA Sailability programme, focused on “transforming the foundation and providing more opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged young people.”

David Murray (Secretary): Former RYA Finance Director, serving as Foundation Secretary since 2005.

Ed (Trustee): Founded Portsmouth Sail Training Trust after IBM career, focused on raising aspirations of socially deprived young people.

Margaret (Trustee): Accountant with extensive sailing background, supporting local disabled sailing groups.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Organisations: Apply online via www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation/fund. Must have recognised governing document, formal management committee, and appropriate safeguarding policies.

Individuals (Youth Fund): Apply via www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation/youth-fund. Must be under 25 and demonstrate clear promise in boating.

Decision Timeline

Applications accepted year-round and considered at quarterly trustee meetings (two online, two in-person). Typical decision time 8-12 weeks depending on submission timing relative to meeting schedule.

Success Rates

The Foundation receives more applications than it can fund. Specific success rates not published, though over 150 projects supported since 2013.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Contact info@ryafoundation.org for clarification on reapplying after unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate sustained impact: The Foundation explicitly seeks projects creating ongoing participation, not one-off events
• Show match funding: Applications with matched funding from other sources viewed favourably
• RYA affiliation helps: While not mandatory, RYA-affiliated organisations have preference
• Focus on equipment and safety: Core priorities include boats, safety equipment, and training provision
• Clear beneficiary identification: Specify which disadvantaged groups benefit and how barriers are removed
• Volunteer-led welcomed: Being volunteer-run is an asset, demonstrating community commitment

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply anytime but factor in quarterly decision cycles (potentially 1-3 month wait)
• Equipment and safety grants are core business - align proposals accordingly
• Match funding strengthens applications significantly
• Focus on sustained participation rather than one-off events
• RYA affiliation preferred but not essential for charitable organisations
• Youth Fund relatively new (2022) - opportunity for promising young sailors under 25
• Limited resources mean selectivity - ensure direct link to increasing participation by disadvantaged groups

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Whirlwind Charitable Trust
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• Peter Harrison Foundation
• Elifar Foundation Limited
• Variety, the Children's Charity
• Focus Foundation
• Irish Youth Foundation (UK) Limited
• The Swire Charitable Trust
• THE VETERANS' FOUNDATION
• Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust

References

• The RYA Foundation main page: https://www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation
• RYA Foundation Fund: https://www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation/fund
• RYA Foundation Youth Fund: https://www.rya.org.uk/about-us/charities-foundations/rya-foundation/youth-fund
• Charity Commission Register (1084351): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3975725
• Active Together Funding Database: https://www.active-together.org/fundingfinder/1756
• Funding Scotland Database: https://funding.scot/funds/a0RP1000002tIkjMAE/rya-foundation