The Whirlwind Trust has small grants available to organisations that support young, disadvantaged or disabled people (aged up to 25) through maritime and outdoor activities. Funding is designed to help these organisations provide life-changing experiences for young people, helping them build confidence and learn new skills, whatever their financial circumstances or physical abilities. 

Funders are particularly keen to hear from organisations that provide positive education in coastal and marine areas, and projects that involve relationship-building, long-term contact and mentoring. Bursary support can also be funded. Registered charities are preferred, but other voluntary organisations will be considered.

Your application must fit the equality policy, and must not be exclusively promoted to people of one faith, gender, race or social background. It must involve access for people who would not normally be able to take part in activities (e.g. because of a disadvantaged background or health condition). 

There are rolling deadlines for this funding; each deadline is two weeks before each quarterly trustee meeting takes place for reviewing donations (in January, April, July and October). On average, it takes six months from submitting your application to receiving a donation, if successful. 

The next deadline for applications is Monday 26 April 2021. For more details and the application process, click here.