Participation & Access Fund

The London Otters Rowing Club is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive and accessible club. The Participation & Access Fund has been created to help reduce financial barriers that may prevent members from taking part fully in rowing and club activities.

The Fund provides discretionary support to members (and Learn to Row participants) who may be experiencing financial difficulty, whether short-term or ongoing.  For full details please refer to the Participation & Access Fund Policy available here.

What the Fund can support

The Fund can be used to support costs directly related to participation in rowing, including:

  • Membership fees

  • Learn to Row courses (via our referral partners)

  • British Rowing membership

  • Race fees

  • Training camps (such as Rowcation)

  • Other costs directly linked to rowing participation

The Fund is not intended to cover purely social events or discretionary spending, save in exceptional circumstances.

How it works

Applications are reviewed by a small, independent Participation & Access Panel made up of nominated club members. The current members of the panel are Sky Yarlett, Yoan Graignic and Roy Lam. All applications are treated confidentially.

  • The Panel meets monthly

  • Decisions are usually made within 2–4 weeks

  • Support may be full or partial

  • Awards are typically time-limited

Each application is considered individually, taking into account need, impact and the sustainability of the Fund. Please refer to the Participation & Access Fund Policy for full details of the criteria to be considered by the Panel.

Timing

Applications should be made in advance of costs being incurred.

As a guide:

  • Ideally apply 4–6 weeks before planned costs

  • Shorter notice may be considered where necessary

Applications themselves cannot be retrospective, but awards may (exceptionally) relate to costs already incurred where the Panel has been unable to consider an application prior to the relevant cost being incurred.

How much can I apply for?

Awards are typically up to £300, although the Panel may award higher amounts depending on individual circumstances and the available budget. Members may apply for up to £500 per club year (1 September – 31 August), although the Panel may recommend a higher award in exceptional circumstances.

How to apply

Applications can be made via:

  • The Participation & Access Fund application form

  • If you have any questions please contact: participation@londonotters.org

The application process is simple and does not require financial documents - just an honest explanation of your situation and how support would help.

Confidentiality

All applications are handled confidentially. Information is only shared where necessary for administration, safeguarding or governance purposes.

A note on the Fund

This is a pilot initiative and processes may be refined over time as we learn what works best in practice. The Fund is limited and designed to support as many members as possible, fairly and sustainably.