Applications open for Active Thames Fund Programme in the United Kingdom

Deadline: 27-Nov-24

Applications are now open for the Active Thames Fund Programme to foster growth in water sports and enhancing the use of the Thames Path National Trail.

It is focused on improving access, diversity, and inclusion, while raising awareness of the benefits of physical activity in blue spaces.

Objectives

• Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with one or more of the following objectives:
  • Increase diversity in participation: Particularly among under-represented groups including:
    • Children & young people.
    • People with disabilities.
    • People with long term health conditions.
    • People from lower socio-economic groups.
    • Ethnically diverse communities.
  • Workforce Development: Enhancing the skills and capabilities of coaches, volunteers and, administrative support teams.
• Applicants are also encouraged to clearly highlight in their applications how their projects support the wider objectives and outcomes of the Active Thames grant, namely to:
  • Improve people’s health and wellbeing (physical and/or mental)
  • Build greater community connections.
  • Maintain a clean and safe river.

Funding Information

• Grants of up to are £5,000 are available.

Eligibility Criteria

• In addition, they are particularly keen to welcome applications that will:
  • Boost participation east of Tower Bridge extending through to Kent and Essex
  • Support coastal rowing projects.
  • Develop and empower community activators to drive participation in paddle sports.
  • Provide continued provision of activity, beyond this funding cycle.
• To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
  • Be formally constituted as a not-for-profit or statutory organisation.
  • Operate activities based on or alongside waterways in Greater London, Kent or Essex, including docks, basins, reservoirs, canals, lakes and rivers that connect to the tidal Thames and its Estuary.
  • Begin project delivery by February 2025/conclude by Autumn 2025
  • Commit to ongoing reporting and collaboration with the PLA’s Impact & Partnerships Officer to monitor the use of funds and project outcomes.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The fund will not cover:
  • Initiatives without a link to the waterways identified or the Thames Path National Trail.
  • Retrospective costs.
  • Marketing costs and expenses.
  • Organisations known to be acting unsafely or harming the environment.
  • Individuals.
  • Organisations strictly supporting one demographic and excluding others (e.g., a faith-based community group).
  • Any initiatives or organisations that create a conflict of interest for any of the Active Thames partners.

For more information, visit Active Thames.