Details

Founded in 2007 by descendants of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions in the early part of the 20th century, the Shackleton Foundation seeks to help disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people. The Shackleton Foundation provides seed funding and support, by means of a single grant or loan of £15,000 to early-stage social ventures with a primary focus on benefiting young people in the UK.

Funding is to support leaders with innovative social ideas aimed at generating positive social change for disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people.

Trustees are looking for:

• Projects that are innovative and fresh
• Fulfil a clear need and demand
• Have a real social impact
• Have well-defined outputs and goals
• Have the potential for real growth and sustainability

Your award will either be a grant OR a loan, depending on your organisation's legal structure (see fund guidance). Successful applicants can also expect to receive assistance with the practical aspects of starting up a social venture. These include:

• Seed-funding
• Mentoring by existing Leaders
• Access to quarterly advice surgeries and an annual Leaders Forum
• Awareness building for your venture
• Introductions to potential second stage funders

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: UK

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant, Loan, Other resources

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Annually awarded:

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Notes on award amounts:

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Who can apply

Leaders with innovative social ideas aimed at generating positive social change for disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people. They only accept applications from individuals setting up new organisations or organisations no more than 12 months old. Your project must solely benefit children and young people (0-25 years) based in the UK (100% of beneficiaries).

Grants/loans are made to individual Leaders and not to teams or organisations. Trustees have a preference for Leaders to be running charities, social enterprises or not-for-profit organisations

When to apply

Now open. Upcoming deadlines are 5pm on:

• November 2, 2026

They may close early if oversubscribed.

Next deadline: 2 Nov 2026

How to apply

Complete their eligibility quiz, then submit an application via their website.

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Exclusions

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Activites funded: Arts and culture Befriending and mentoring Citizenship and community involvement Community development and regeneration Community facilities Community safety Transport Education and training Employability services Environment General charitable activities Health care and wellbeing Health education and promotion Mental health care Recreation and social activities Social care and welfare

Beneficiaries funded: People affected by drugs and alcohol Black and Ethnic Minorities Carers Children Economically/socially disadvantaged Families Homeless or badly housed Care experienced people Socially isolated people People in poverty Rural communities Men Mental health conditions Offenders and ex-offenders Ill-health Disabilities Learning disabilities Physical disabilities Sensory impairments Refugees and asylum seekers Local communities Voluntary sector organisations Unemployed Victims of crime and abuse Volunteers Women and girls Young people

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Last reviewed about 1 month ago