Shackleton Foundation Leadership Award

The Shackleton Foundation supports aspiring individuals and social entrepreneurs who exemplify the spirit of Shackleton with seed-funding to help them start their venture. The foundation looks for individuals, often with lived experience, who display courage, resilience and leadership and have a big bold idea to help young people in the UK. Eligible ideas must solely benefit disadvantaged young people (0-25) based in the UK, be from NEW organisations (no more than 12 months old), be innovative and fresh, fulfil a clear need and demand, have a real social impact with well defined outputs and goals, and have the potential for real growth and sustainability. The foundation takes calculated risks in supporting social entrepreneurs who are often considered too risky or early stage. Successful applicants receive seed-funding up to £15,000 as a grant or loan, access to a 'Leader Partner', access to quarterly advice surgeries and an annual Leader's Forum, awareness building for their venture, and introductions to potential second stage funders.