Sail Training International is pleased to be able to provide a range of funds that support the continued delivery and development of sail training around the world. One of these funds, the Youth Development Fund, supports organisations that deliver sail training programmes reaching young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Youth Development Fund was launched in 2019, and since then it has helped over 20 organisations from around the world deliver some amazing sail training projects. Through grants up to £10,000, it is aimed at helping organisations develop more effective sail training programmes for young people aged between 14-25 years, and supporting them in expanding the reach of these projects within diverse and disadvantaged communities.
The Deadline to apply for the Youth Development Fund 2025 has now passed, but you can still submit your interest for future rounds of funding
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from organisations around the world, including sail training operators, schools, National Sail Training Organisations and land-based organisations, that deliver youth sail training programmes. Organisations can be land-based as well as existing sail training providers, but should ensure their programmes support disadvantaged young people aged 14-25 years.
You can apply for funding for new programmes or to expand existing projects that are already benefiting young people. Grants can be used to fund personnel, equipment, and other direct expenses essential to the project, as well as community outreach and staff or volunteer training essential to the project.
Please note that all approved projects must take place on a vessel that meets our approved vessel criteria. You will be asked to submit a completed Approved Vessel Criteria Form to confirm this as part of your application.
LOOKING FOR PROJECT INSPIRATION?
Since being launched, we have received some amazing applications and awarded the funds to inspirational projects from organisations around the world. You can find case studies on some of the previous projects our funds have supported below.
ECOMARIS
Ecomaris from Montreal were awarded $10,000 Canadian dollars for their “Cosmic Plankton” program.
STS LEEUWIN II
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation were awarded €5,000 to support their Drought Affected Communities project.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING, BUT UNSURE IF YOUR PROJECT MEETS THE FUNDING CRITERIA?
If you are interested in applying, but are unsure if your project meets the funding criteria, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) initial application for the Youth Development Fund. To submit an EOI, all you need to do is complete the form below providing a summary of your proposed project, which will then be reviewed by the funding committee.
Once you submit an EOI, the Funding Committee will advise if the proposed project meets the funding criteria and provide support feedback where needed when completing your full application.
To register your interest and find out more about the Youth Development Fund, simply complete the form below and a member of our funding team will be in touch to discuss your project further.
The Deadline to apply for the Youth Development Fund 2025 has now passed, but you can still submit your interest for future rounds of funding
