Formerly known as the Canoe Foundation, Paddle UK’s official charity partner has been supporting paddlers across the UK since 1986. As the paddling world has grown and evolved, so has the charity. Today, the trustees are excited to announce its new name, the Paddle Trust.

To celebrate the relaunch, a new funding window is now open, with £100,000 available to support paddling projects across the UK. Apply now.

Changing the landscape for paddlers

Over its life, the Paddle Trust has awarded over £700,000 in grants. £380,000 of these relate to project applications in the last 5 years, and the focus on improving access to water and the quality of our waterways for paddlers.

These projects support the development and use of water spaces for a broad community of paddlers and often assist other water users as well.

“We are delighted to announce this rebrand, which better reflects the breadth of people and projects we support. 

“At this exciting time for the Trust it seems fitting to release our largest ever funding pot of £100,000 for organisations and individuals to apply for. We are looking forward to receiving grant applications for projects dedicated to sustainable access improvements for our blue spaces.” said Aiden McGuffie, Paddle Trust Trustee.

Past projects include improving access to urban waterways in Birmingham, addressing environmental access issues, such as fallen trees and river vegetation on the River Waveney in Norfolk, the redesign and reconstruction of a walkway and jetty head on Lough Henney, near Belfast, a new accessibility hoist on Wistlandpound Reservoir in Exmoor and a new pontoon at Cardiff International White Water Centre.

Applications welcome

The Paddle Trust welcomes applications from groups and organisations, such as paddling clubs, community groups and local authorities, as well as individuals with an active interest in improving access to water and the environment. 

The Trust is looking for applications which benefit multiple users and user groups, with usage open to the general public.

They should focus on accessibility, environmental awareness and durable impact. Some key focus areas for funding are:

• The improvement of launching, landing and portage sites, such as accessible pontoons, towpaths and walkways and pontoon hoists.
• The installation of signage and information, promoting positive behaviour and educating water users on how they can respect and protect their environment.
• The enhancement of access to water for all sectors of the community, including in less advantaged areas.  

It is important that projects applied for are ‘ready to go’. This means planning permission must have been researched and granted or agreed in principle, and quotes for the work obtained.

The Trust also needs to see support from relevant local groups or partners (for example, a letter of support from them), and evidence that the group has matched funding in place or has tried to get funding from other organisations.

Funding applications are expected to be in the range of £500 to £10,000. The Paddle Trust are not able to consider applications relating to coaching, leadership, or the purchase or hire of equipment such as paddlecraft and accessories.

Sue Hornby, Paddle Trust Trustee, said:

“Paddlers are just one group who use our beautiful UK waterways. We are keen to support projects which benefit a wide range of users, which is why organisations don’t need to be primarily related to paddling activity to apply.

“We are particularly keen to fund sustainable improvements to water access and information for all, as well as projects allowing those who may not otherwise be able to access blue spaces to enjoy our waterways.” 

You can learn more about projects which will be considered in the article Can I apply for funding from the Paddle Trust for my project?

To guide your application, please read the Paddle Trust Application Guidance article.

Applications for grants are open from now until December 17th 2025.

Apply now

You can find out more and apply here. If you are unsure about applying or have any queries, please Contact Us.

Help the Paddle Trust protect our waterways

The Paddle Trust relies on donations to get the projects we support off the ground. If you would like to be part of improving the water environment and access to our waters for now and the future, find out more about donating here.

We also welcome partnerships and collaborations with other organisations, particularly those with an interest in improving access to blue spaces. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this.

For updates on funding and projects, as well as top tips on how to apply for funding, follow over on the new Paddle Trust social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn