Apply for Shackleton Foundation’s Seed Funding (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 02-Nov-2026

The Shackleton Foundation Seed Funding Programme supports aspiring social entrepreneurs and individuals launching new ventures that improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the United Kingdom. Successful applicants can receive up to £15,000 in seed funding, alongside mentoring, leadership development, networking, and access to potential future funders.

About the Shackleton Foundation Seed Funding Programme

The Shackleton Foundation was established in 2007 by descendants of members of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions. Its funding programme is designed for early-stage social entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for addressing challenges faced by disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people. The programme focuses on individuals who demonstrate: An innovative approach to solving a defined problem Potential for their venture to grow and become sustainable The Foundation provides support at an early stage when securing conventional funding can be difficult. What Does the Programme Support? The seed funding is intended to help individuals establish new social ventures that directly benefit disadvantaged children and young people aged 0–25 in the UK. Supported projects should address a clearly identified need and demonstrate potential for meaningful social impact. Young beneficiaries may face challenges including: Other significant barriers to opportunity and participation Projects should have a clear social purpose and explain how their proposed activities will improve outcomes for disadvantaged young people. Funding Available Successful applicants can receive up to £15,000. The funding may be provided as either: A grant An interest-free loan The funding is intended to help new organisations move from an early-stage idea toward implementation and establish a foundation for longer-term development. Applicants should demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to launching or developing their social venture. Additional Support for Successful Applicants The Shackleton Foundation offers more than financial assistance.

Successful applicants can receive:

A dedicated Leader Partner providing one-to-one guidance Access to a wider network of social-impact professionals This combination of seed funding and practical support is designed to help early-stage ventures become stronger and more sustainable. Who Is Eligible? The programme is primarily intended for individuals establishing new organisations that have a clear social purpose and benefit disadvantaged young people in the UK. Applicants must generally meet the following conditions: Be establishing a new organisation or social venture. The organisation must generally be no more than 12 months old. Have a clear focus on disadvantaged children and young people aged 0–25. Operate for the benefit of young people in the United Kingdom. Demonstrate a clearly identified social need. Present an innovative or high-potential solution. Demonstrate potential for measurable social impact. Show how the venture can develop and become sustainable. Request funding equivalent to at least 25% of the total annual project cost. Early-stage social entrepreneurs often have innovative solutions but lack the funding, networks, and professional support needed to turn their ideas into functioning organisations. The Shackleton Foundation addresses this gap by combining seed capital, mentoring, leadership development, and connections to future funders. The programme is particularly relevant for ventures that are still at an early stage but have the potential to create significant and sustainable improvements in the lives of disadvantaged young people. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive application should clearly establish four things: the problem, the solution, the impact, and the potential for sustainability.

Applicants should demonstrate:

A clearly defined social problem. A strong understanding of the target young people and their needs. An innovative and practical solution. A realistic plan for launching the venture. Measurable outcomes. Strong personal leadership and resilience. Potential to grow or create longer-term impact. A credible approach to financial sustainability. A clear explanation of how the Shackleton Foundation funding will be used. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the Foundation’s core objectives and demonstrate why their idea requires early-stage support.

Step 1: Define the Social Problem

Explain the specific challenge affecting disadvantaged young people in the UK. Use evidence where possible to demonstrate the scale and importance of the problem.

Step 2: Describe Your Solution

Explain what your organisation will do and why the proposed approach is different, innovative, or particularly effective. Keep the explanation practical and outcome-focused.

Step 3: Identify Your Beneficiaries

Clearly define who will benefit from the project.

Explain:

Their age range Their circumstances The barriers they face How your project will reach them What improvements you expect to achieve

Step 4: Develop an Impact Plan

Set measurable objectives for the venture. For example, applicants could identify targets relating to: Explain the total annual cost of the venture and how the requested seed funding will be used. The funding request should represent at least 25% of the total annual project cost.

Step 6: Demonstrate Leadership

The Foundation places importance on the qualities of the individual behind the venture.

Applicants should demonstrate their:

Leadership ability Courage Resilience Commitment Understanding of the issue Ability to turn an idea into action

Step 7: Explain Long-Term Sustainability

Show how the venture could continue beyond the initial Shackleton Foundation support. Applicants should consider future funding, partnerships, earned income, additional grants, or other appropriate sustainability mechanisms. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should