voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
-
The Shackleton Foundation
Created: 06/01/2026
News/Events Category: Funding and Finance
This item will show under the following categories: Children and Families
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
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
How to apply
Complete their eligibility quiz, then submit an application via their website.
The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Monday 02 February 2026.
What now?
See other news/events in the Funding and Finance category
Go to the main News page
Tell us about your own news
News/Events Categories:
Carer Support (7 items)Children and Families (64 items)
Climate/Environment (8 items)
Community Events (7 items)
Employability (27 items)
Funding and Finance (29 items)
FVA News (6 items)
General News (13 items)
Goods, Donations and Services (3 items)
Governance (32 items)
Health and Social Care (75 items)
Job Vacancies (8 items)
Partnerships, Networks and Forums (27 items)
Social Enterprise (1 item)
Technology (5 items)
Training and Learning (82 items)
Volunteering (72 items)
Go to the main News page
