We support aspiring individuals and social entrepreneurs who exemplify the spirit of Shackleton with seed-funding to help them start their venture.

We look for individuals, often with lived experience, who display courage, resilience and leadership who have a big bold idea to help young people in the UK. Eligible ideas must:

  • Be innovative and fresh
  • Fulfil a clear need and demand
  • Be in the first year of development
  • Have a real social impact with well defined outputs and goals
  • Have the potential for real growth and sustainability
  • The beneficiaries must be young people based in the UK

The Shackleton Spirit

The Leadership qualities Trustees will be looking for should align with the Shackleton spirit of:
  • Innovation

  • Enterprise

  • Inspiration

  • Ambition

  • Endurance

  • Courage

  • Passion

  • Energy

  • Dedication

Read about leaders we’ve funded

What is Seed-Funding?

We provide up to £15,000 of seed funding and support.

If your project or organisation is within the first 12 months of development we can provide a grant or loan of £15,000 to help you get your concept off the ground. Projects should have a clear social purpose benefiting young people in the UK with a sustainable business model. Our model is a unique way of transforming the lives of some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people by supporting these bold, inspiring, and effective ideas, and helping to make them a reality.

We support leaders with high risk, but high potential.

True to the spirit of Shackleton himself, we take calculated risks in supporting social entrepreneurs who are often considered too risky or early stage. These are projects that may struggle to gain funding from traditional sources so our funding comes at a crucial time. If you’re passionate about generating positive social change for disadvantaged young people and have an idea for how to do it, then we can provide funding and practical support to make it happen.

Our Leadership Programme

Successful applicants can 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 Leader's Forum
  • Awareness building for your venture
  • Introductions to potential second stage funders

"It was powerful to have a small group and the reflections of the trustees of the Shackleton Foundation. It came at a very pertinent time for me...and I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend."

"...one of the most valuable parts of being a Shackleton Leader. As well as meeting some of the country's experts at the forefront of social innovation, the Forum gives us Leasers the opportunity to share best practice with one another and work through challenges together."

How to apply

Upcoming Deadline Date:

February 17, 2025, 5 p.m.

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For full information on how to apply, procedures and next steps, download our Grant Making Guidance PDF. To prepare for your application we suggest that you look through Application Form Preview PDF. When you are ready use the 'apply now' button and submit via Jotform (please note you can save your application and come back to it before submitting).

Good luck and we look forward to reading your application!
All upcoming application deadlines:
  • February 17, 2025, 5 p.m.
  • April 28, 2025, 5 p.m.
  • August 4, 2025, 5 p.m.
  • October 31, 2025, 5 p.m.

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