Rowing Foundation

The Rowing Foundation is a UK-based charity established in 1980, initially focused on getting young people on the water through rowing and water sports, evolving to champion adaptive rowing for people with disabilities of all ages. Its mission emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and grassroots participation in rowing, addressing barriers via equipment funding and boat refurbishments. Core values center on non-elitist community initiatives, safeguarding, and transforming lives through sport, with trustees drawn from the rowing community for nationwide insight.

It prioritizes projects benefiting young people under 18 (or under 23 in full-time education) and disabled individuals, funding purchases of rowing boats, sculls, oars, riggers, and parts, plus junior boat refurbishments. Grants support UK rowing clubs, schools, and organizations with active junior or adaptive programs, requiring match funding up to 50% of costs to leverage impact.

Eligible applicants include UK-based community groups and academic institutions, with preference for small- to medium-sized grassroots entities; no strict income limits apply, and unsolicited applications are welcome. Typical grants range from £1,500 to £4,000, capped at £4,000 per organization over five years. Apply via online form: equipment grants quarterly (next deadline noon, 12 January 2026), refurbishments rolling, with trustee decisions within a month.

Exclusions cover individuals, non-rowing activities (e.g., kayaking, sailing), coaching fees, cox boxes, ergometers, lifejackets, launches, or pontoons. Distinctively, it demands proof of match funding and invoices, focusing solely on tangible on-water rowing equipment to boost underrepresented participation.