The Shackelton Foundation provides seed funding and support to early-stage social ventures with a primary focus on benefiting young people in the UK.

Since our inception in 2007, we have empowered 73 leaders who embody the spirit of Shackleton to make a substantial impact in their communities, with innovative organisations that make a positive impact to the lives of disadvantaged young people.

We believe that excellent leadership, as epitomised by Shackleton, has the potential to create opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, ultimately improving people’s lives and enabling them to reach their full potential. We look for individuals, often with lived experience, who display those same characteristics of courage and resilience who have a big, bold idea to help others.

Our mission is to support inspirational and courageous leaders who have innovative solutions to issues affecting young people experiencing disadvantage in the UK today. We fund early-stage organisations run by social entrepreneurs who have developed a new model or approach to a social problem.

What sets us apart from other funders is the organisations we support are often considered too risky or too early-stage. True to the spirit of Shackleton himself, we take calculated risks in providing support at such an early stage, helping to turn these concepts into a reality when many social entrepreneurs find it challenging to secure funding without a proven track record.

We are a small charity – run by a diverse, voluntary trustee board with a wealth of expertise from across the business and charity sector, plus a part-time administrator.

For full information on how to apply, procedures and next steps, download our Grant Making Guidance PDF below. To prepare for your application we suggest that you look through Application Form Preview PDF, found below. You will need to successfully complete our Eligibility Quiz first before you can complete an application form.

Grant Making Guidance PDF Application Form Preview PDF

• February 2, 2026, 5 p.m.
• April 27, 2026, 5 p.m.
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• November 2, 2026, 5 p.m.