The Paddle Trust

Overview

The Paddle Trust funds projects that make it easier for people to get on the water. It was founded as the Canoe Foundation in 1986 and rebranded in 2025. It raises money through donations and funds projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The grants pay for projects that increase or improve public access points to water for all forms of paddlesport. That includes launching and landing sites that welcome all parts of the community and all abilities. Sites should be durable and use sustainable materials where that applies. The fund also backs work to protect and improve natural blue spaces, such as rivers and coastline. Grants range from £500 to £10,000. Clubs, community groups, parish councils, local authorities and anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving water access and protecting the environment can apply. Organisations or partnerships working with local paddlesport groups are also welcome, as long as those groups will keep supporting the use of the improvements. The current funding window is open now. You can apply from 23 October 2026 until 7 December 2026. There are usually two funding rounds a year. One practical point matters a great deal. Your project must be ready to go. Planning permission needs to have been researched and granted, or agreed in principle, and you need quotes for the work before you apply. Guidance notes are on the Paddle Trust website, and the online application form is available there while the scheme is open. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/paddle-trust. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.