Racing Foundation

The Racing Foundation, established in 2012 from proceeds of the UK government's Tote sale, is a specialist funder dedicated to creating lasting positive change in British horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding through charitable initiatives addressing industry challenges. Shaped by founding members including the British Horseracing Authority, its mission focuses on three pillars—advancing people welfare (workforce development, diversity, inclusion, training, and leadership), enhancing equine welfare (research, aftercare, and care standards), and driving ESG progress (environmental sustainability, community engagement, and governance). Core values emphasize partnership, evidence-based action, sustainability, inclusivity, and sector collaboration, positioning it as a catalyst for innovative, scalable solutions that build industry capacity and secure a robust social license.

It funds projects benefiting racing staff (prioritizing women, youth, underrepresented groups, parents/carers), jockeys, trainers, breeders, communities, and Thoroughbred horses, supporting workforce wellbeing (e.g., Racing Welfare, Racing Home), diversity pipelines (Riding a Dream, Racing Media Academies), equine research, digital transformation, and charity capacity building. Grants cover project/core costs, multi-year programs, and occasional capital, exemplified by multi-million investments in training and recovery initiatives.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (all sizes, no income limits) delivering public benefit to the British racing sector UK-wide, with no geographic base restriction if nationally impactful. Typical grants range £10,000–£200,000 (small up to £30,000; open £30,000+; larger for strategic work). Unsolicited applications follow a two-stage process (EOI then full) in three annual rounds, with quarterly trustee meetings; next Stage 1 deadline is Friday 24 January 2025.

Exclusions include non-racing/Thoroughbred projects lacking direct charitable benefit; it avoids emergency relief and demands industry adoption for sustainability. Distinctively industry-focused, it convenes stakeholders, prioritizes measurable legacy, and rejects generalist proposals.