Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust

The Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust, established in June 1988 by the governing body of Henley Royal Regatta, is a specialist funder dedicated to broadening access to rowing and sculling for young people, particularly those in education or training from disadvantaged, underrepresented, or ethnic minority backgrounds across the UK. Its mission emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and positive physical/mental wellbeing through sport, acting as an enabling partner that builds capacity in grassroots organizations via strategic, evidence-based grants rather than direct delivery. Deeply aligned with British rowing's premier event, the Trust prioritizes empowering youth via schools, youth clubs, rowing clubs, and SEND participants, with a focus on girls and deprived urban areas like London, Leeds, Nottingham, and Bristol.

It funds practical interventions such as equipment (boats, oars, safety gear), coaching development, adaptive/junior rowing sessions, and multiyear programmes like London Youth Rowing's Active Row and Step Up initiatives, National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships, and partnerships with The Rowing Foundation for match-funded capital grants. Support targets large-scale, inclusive youth engagement in underrepresented communities, including revenue for programme delivery and coach training, but not unrestricted core funding.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in the UK; the Trust shows preference for small- to medium-sized entities with proven delivery capacity in youth rowing, without strict income thresholds. It does not accept unsolicited applications—funding is trustee-selected on an ad hoc basis via sector knowledge and partnerships, with no open calls, forms, or deadlines. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, scaling higher for strategic allies. Distinctively, its rowing-specific focus, transformative track record, and event-linked prestige set it apart as a leader in sport diversification.