RYA Midlands Learning & Development Bursaries

Boosting capacity and engagement across the region

Midlands learning and development burseries

RYA Midlands Learning & Development Bursaries provide support for training and projects to help get more people on the water.

In line with the RYA’s Together on Water strategy, the aim is to encourage and grow participation across all aspects of boating in the region, including racing, cruising, board sports, Sailability, OnBoard and youth and junior activities.

Launched by the RYA Midlands Regional Volunteer Team, the bursaries will run for three years from 2024-2027, With grants of up to £250 available for individuals and £1,000 for clubs, centres, and groups.

Would you like to gain qualifications or run a project?

Bursaries are available for individuals and organisations in the RYA Midlands region and are designed to cover up to 60% of the costs for:

Learning - supporting an individual or group to develop their qualifications, skills or knowledge
Development - projects building capacity to enable more people to enjoy being on the water

For example, a bursary might be awarded for an individual who would like to complete an RYA instructor course to support sessions for their club, class, or centre; a group of volunteers involved in a particular initiative; or a community outreach project.

Additionally, priority will be given to activities which address under-representation of disadvantaged groups; promote equality, diversity, and inclusion; and/or contribute to environmental objectives.

Apply for a bursary

Applications are open between 01 January and 31 March each year of the scheme. Applicants will be considered by a panel appointed by the RYA Midlands Regional Volunteer Team.

A total of £15,000 is available to invest in the bursaries following the sale of an RYA Midlands-owned fleet of dinghies previously used to support training and club development.

Grants will not be awarded for infrastructure, capital projects or statutory training, and interested parties must be RYA members or belong to an RYA Affiliated club or training centre.

Please ask your Commodore or Training Centre Principal to support your application, demonstrate cost-effectiveness, and show a willingness to make a personal or club contribution.

The RYA Midlands Regional Volunteer Team looks forward to hearing from you. Any questions? Get in touch with bursary administrator Andrew Yates from the team who will be able to help.

Fill out our RYA Midlands Learning & Development Bursary application form.