The Shackleton Foundation is inviting aspiring social entrepreneurs to apply for a new £15,000 award designed to help transform innovative ideas into lasting change for children and young people in Cumbria only.

For the first time in its history, the UK-wide charity is launching a dedicated Cumbria-only round of its prestigious Shackleton Award, made possible through the generous support of the Francis Scott Trust.

Since 2008, the Shackleton Foundation has been backing courageous, early-stage social entrepreneurs inspired by the pioneering spirit of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The Foundation specialises in supporting what it calls the "first mile" – the earliest and often most challenging stage of launching a social venture, when an idea is still developing and traditional funding can be difficult to secure.

Over the past 18 years, the Foundation has supported more than 70 Shackleton Leaders across the UK, providing seed funding alongside practical support, mentoring and access to a thriving alumni network. On average, each Shackleton Leader goes on to positively impact around 1,600 young people within three years of receiving their award.

The new Cumbria award is seeking one exceptional individual with a bold new idea that will improve the lives of children and young people across the county.

Successful applicants will receive:

• An unrestricted grant of up to £15,000
• Membership of the Shackleton Leader Network
• A dedicated Leader Partner, providing one-to-one mentoring from an experienced Shackleton Leader.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be working exclusively to benefit children and young people aged 0–25 facing barriers to reaching their full potential solely in Cumbria
• Have established their venture within the last 12 months
• Be a registered charity, Community Interest Company (CIC) or Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
• Be addressing a clearly identified need with a venture that has the potential to grow and become financially sustainable.

Key dates

• Applications open: Tuesday 4 August 2026
• Applications close: Monday 2 November 2026
• Applicant webinar: Thursday 3 September 2026, 12.30pm–1.30pm

The Shackleton Foundation is encouraging organisations, community groups and local networks across Cumbria to help spread the word so that promising social entrepreneurs have the opportunity to apply.

For further information and application details please visit

https://shackletonfoundation.org/who-we-fund/#how-to-apply