Edmiston Foundation: UKSA funding for 2025
The Edmiston Foundation was conceived with one objective in mind: to advocate for change. In order to address the lack of diversity and inclusivity within the yachting industry, we have partnered with the United Kingdom Sailing Academy to help create opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring young people from all backgrounds can access life-changing maritime training and education programmes.
In 2025, the Edmiston Foundation will donate a total of £210,000 to support key areas of their work, as we work together to make a lasting impact in the maritime industry. This funding is spread across four key initiatives, which include:
Cadetship & Careers Programmes – £70,000
Aim: to help young people gain industry qualifications and employment through bursary support.
Leave No Child Behind Fund – £65,000
Aim: to provide 200 children with access to water-based adventures, allowing them to focus on gaining confidence, learning new skills, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Additionally, this fund helps supply essential items for children and young people who may arrive without them. These include swimwear, sunscreen, hats, hygiene products, and other toiletries.
Sea.Change Fund – £55,000
Aim: to provide 105 young people with funding for the Maritime Futures programme, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent disadvantaged young people from participating. The programme combines practical water-based activities with classroom sessions, allowing participants to build confidence, develop resilience, and improve teamwork and communication.
Welfare salary – £20,000
Aim: to fund a welfare salary, ensuring we provide essential holistic care and support for all students.
In addition to these key initiatives, the Edmiston Foundation is working the UKSA on funding. 10 disadvantaged young people from the South of France to attend the Maritime Futures Programme at their site in Cowes, showcasing the impact of their work more broadly within the industry.
The impact of the UKSA
To date, the Edmiston Foundation has donated a total of £900,000 to the UKSA. This funding has seen 594 children participate in the Leave No Child Behind fund, giving those from disadvantaged backgrounds their first experience on the water.
380 young people have been funded for the Maritime Futures programme, where they develop essential life and employability skills, while exploring career opportunities in the maritime industry.
33 students have been supported to advance into UKSA’s further education and career training, and 12 students are now employed in the yachting industry.
For more information on the UKSA, please visit their website.