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Funding for rowing clubs: where to look and how to make the case

New boats and boathouse repairs are expensive. Here is where clubs look for money, and how to make a convincing bid.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

Where clubs look

  • Sport England and the other home nations' sports councils, through their community funds.
  • Rowing charities and trusts, including those that support grassroots rowing.
  • British Rowing's funding pages, which list current opportunities.
  • Local sources: councils, community foundations, local businesses and lottery funding.

Funds open and close through the year, so check each one's current criteria.

What makes a strong bid

  • Evidence of use: how many people row, how often, and in which boats.
  • Who benefits: juniors, beginners, adaptive rowers, under-represented groups.
  • The problem: boats out of service, a waiting list, a full calendar.
  • What changes with the money, and how you'll measure it.

How BoatLog helps

Funders want numbers. BoatLog records every outing and booking, so you can show how heavily the fleet is used, which boats are always booked, and how many members row each month, rather than estimating. A repairs history shows which boats are at the end of their life.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: Booking and sign-out data shows how heavily each boat is used.
Booking and sign-out data shows how heavily each boat is used. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

Can rowing clubs get grants for new boats?

Yes. Sports councils, rowing charities, local funds and businesses all fund equipment for clubs, depending on their criteria.

What evidence do funders want?

Usually participation numbers, who benefits, the problem you're solving and how the funding will make a measurable difference.

Where can I find current rowing funding opportunities?

British Rowing's funding pages list current opportunities, alongside sports councils and local funders.

Related

Guide: Running a Learn to Row course: a club guide How a rowing club can run a Learn to Row course: planning, safety, swim tests, stable boats, coaching ratios, and turning beginners into members. Guide: Rowing club insurance: what affiliation does and doesn't cover What British Rowing affiliation and membership insurance does and doesn't cover for a rowing club, and why boats and buildings need separate cover. Guide: The British Rowing affiliation year: a club admin calendar The rowing club admin year at a glance: safety audit, membership declaration, affiliation renewal and new members, and what each needs from your records.

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