What We Fund

Our Funding Priorities

Cowes Town Waterfront Trust provides grant funding to support projects that deliver meaningful benefit to the local community and contribute to the long-term vitality of Cowes and its waterfront.

All funding decisions are guided by the Trust’s charitable objects, ensuring that every project we support aligns with our core purpose and delivers clear public benefit.

Our Charitable Purpose

Our funding is directed by the following charitable objectives:

  • To promote the provision of facilities for recreation and leisure for the benefit of the inhabitants of Cowes and the Isle of Wight, particularly those with need arising from youth, age, infirmity, disability, financial hardship, or social and economic circumstances, and to advance sailing and water sports in the waters around Cowes, including the provision of mooring and boat storage facilities for public benefit

  • To promote the culture and heritage of Cowes and support the maritime heritage of the Isle of Wight

  • To promote the protection and improvement of the environment of Cowes Harbour

All applications are assessed against these objectives.

Our Funding Priorities

In line with our charitable purpose, we are most likely to support projects that:

  • Deliver clear community benefit within Cowes or the wider Isle of Wight
  • Support access to recreation, leisure, and maritime activity
  • Advance sailing, boating, or water-based initiatives
  • Celebrate and preserve the cultural and maritime heritage of Cowes
  • Enhance the environment and sustainability of Cowes Harbour
  • Improve access to facilities for those who may otherwise face barriers

What We Look For

When reviewing applications, we consider:

  • Alignment with our charitable objectives
  • The level of benefit to the local community
  • Evidence of need and demand
  • The quality, planning, and deliverability of the project
  • The potential for lasting impact

Exclusions

While we aim to support a broad range of initiatives, we are unable to fund:

  • Projects that do not align with our charitable objects
  • Applications with no clear benefit to Cowes or the Isle of Wight
  • Individuals (unless applying through an appropriate organisation)
  • Commercial or profit-driven activities
  • Retrospective funding for projects already completed
  • General running costs or ongoing operational expenses
  • Activities that are primarily political or religious in nature (unless clear community benefit can be demonstrated)

Before You Apply

To ensure your project is a suitable fit, all applicants must complete our short eligibility questionnaire before submitting a full application.