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Sail Training International

Youth Development Fund

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.

Applications are now closed for 2026 funding, but you can still submit an EOI for future funding.

Grant Timeline

Deadline for Expressions of Interest 31st July 2025
Expression of Interest assessment deadline 30th August 2025
Deadline for Applications 30th September 2025
Grant decisions announcedNovember 2025
End of project Evaluations completed before 14th October 2026

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

 

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 exisiting 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.

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ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE AGED 14-25 YEARS

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IMPROVES PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND/OR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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ENHANCES INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING

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USES REPLICABLE MODELS OF INNOVATION

“I am really proud of myself for sticking at it and completing the sail. I was a little unsure at first but once we got going it was amazing.”

“It was great a great experience and I have some memories and new friends that I will keep forever.”
Kim, CatZero ‘Youth Futures’ Project Participant

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.

CATZERO

CatZero were awarded £6,000 to support their Youth Futures project.

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.

“The support of Sail Training International provided each of these young people an outstanding opportunity to experience something completely new.”

“They were challenged and they sought to achieve their goals during their voyage experiences.”
Carol Shannon, CEO Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation

The deadline for 2026 EOI’s has now passed. You can submit an EOI for sail training projects taking place in 2027, these will be actioned when the funding is launched is Spring 26. Please note the funding is only available for Sail Training Projects.

For help completing this form we advise you to read the guidance notes available.

Guidance Notes

If you are interested in applying, but are unsure if your project meets the funding criteria, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) 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.

Expression of Interest Form

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Please provide details for the person who will be leading your project and will be the main point of contact for Sail Training International.

Project start date must be after 31/12/26
IS YOUR PROJECT SAIL TRAINING RELATED?
Confirm

Applications have now closed for the Youth Development Fund 2026. You can submit an EOI for sail training projects taking place in 2027, these will be actioned when the funding is launched is Spring 26. Please note the funding is only available for Sail Training Projects.

Applications have now closed for the Youth Development Fund 2026. You can submit an EOI for sail training projects taking place in 2027, these will be actioned when the funding is launched is Spring 26. Please note the funding is only available for Sail Training Projects. Additionally you can find out all the information you need to submit an Expression of Interest and full application for funding using the Guidance Notes.

Guidance Notes

Get in Touch

For further assistance completing your EOI, or if you have any other questions about the funds, please direct enquiries to the following members of the funding team:

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