Active Thames fund 2024/25 now open for applications
Eligible organisations operating on the tidal Thames or on waterways connected to it are invited to apply for grants of £2,000 to £20,000 by 27 October 2024
Now in its fourth year, Active Thames, the partnership programme that promotes the development of water sports on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent and Essex, has opened for applications for this year’s round of funding.
Active Thames supports initiatives that try to increase access, diversity, and inclusion through reaching out to under-represented groups, at the same time providing more opportunities for people to benefit from being active outdoors. The Active Thames partnership is comprised of Active Essex, Active Kent & Medway, London Sport, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Canal & River Trust, Thames Path National Trail and the Port of London Authority (PLA).
Conscious that the water can be a place for sport and relaxation, and benefit people’s mental and physical well-being, Active Thames has supported a variety of activities, including sailing, paddlesports, rowing and walking.
Chris Sawyer, Thames Vision and Partnerships lead, said, “The Active Thames partnership programme is an important part of our Vision for the Thames, ensuring the river is accessible to all and encouraging more people from diverse backgrounds can enjoy sport and leisure opportunities. Much of our funding is directed towards projects that engage people who are less likely to be active, or from communities with less access to sports and activities.”
Rowing community recipients of £39,000 funding from last year’s Active Thames Fund included Enable Leisure, who received £4,000 to support a fitness scheme at Barn Elms Boathouse for adults with long term health conditions, London Youth Rowing, who received £20,000 to continue their roll out of their Active Row programme in Kent, Fulham Reach BC, who were awarded £10,000 to strengthen and extend their work with local schools. Find out more about these rowing projects here. In total, Active Thames has supported 56 community and sports groups with £430,000 of funding.
Applications for the 2024/2025 Active Thames Fund close on 27 October 2024. Funding decisions and communications to all applicants will be made within four weeks of the closing date.
