PaddleAble Inclusion Grant With support from the Dormant Accounts Fund, Canoeing Ireland invites clubs to apply for a PaddleAble Inclusion Grant to support people with disabilities who are newly joining their club and may require additional supports, adaptations, or resources to participate fully and continue their involvement in paddlesport activities. We recognise that every individual’s needs are different, and the supports required may vary from club to club. Funding can help address barriers to participation by supporting areas such as equipment adaptations, transport, coaching ratios, facility accessibility, and engagement with local disability organisations. The overall aim is to create sustainable opportunities for people with disabilities to become active and valued members of their local paddling community. The PaddleAble Grant aims to:

  1. Support people with disabilities to join and actively participate in their local canoe club.
  2. Remove barriers that may prevent a new participant from becoming a regular and long-term member of the club.
  3. Provide clubs with resources to make reasonable adaptations and offer additional supports that facilitate ongoing inclusion in club activities.
  4. Encourage more clubs to engage with people with disabilities within their local communities and create welcoming, inclusive environments.
  5. Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy paddlesports and remain involved over the long term.

Funding Specifications The grant should be used to support a new or recently joined club member with a disability where additional supports are required to enable their participation and inclusion. Examples of eligible costs include:

  • Additional coaching or volunteer support to facilitate appropriate participant-to-coach ratios.
  • Adapted or specialised equipment.
  • Transport costs where these present a barrier to participation.
  • Accessibility adaptations or modifications that directly support the individual’s involvement.
  • Disability awareness or inclusion training for club members and volunteers.
  • Club membership costs for the participant where appropriate.

Applications should demonstrate how the funding will help the individual(s) participate regularly and become fully included in ongoing club activities. Please note that:

  • The funding is intended to support inclusion within regular club activities rather than one-off events.
  • Club members and volunteers should be leading or supporting the activities being delivered.
  • The grant is not intended to fund external instructors or standalone programmes.

Terms & Conditions

  • Clubs may apply for up to €400.
  • Funding must be used by June 2027.
  • Applicants may be asked to provide a short report outlining how the funding supported inclusion and participation within the club.

Application Deadline: 11 October 2026. For further information, please contact: Emer Carton
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Email: emer@canoe.ie
Phone: 086 068 1313

Submit a club application below –