Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund 2024 Applications are now CLOSED.
Thank you for those who applied! Applicants will be informed of the outcome 22nd November 2024.
About the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund
After a popular first year and a second year showing great growth, we are proud that the Reach for the Sky Challenge fund returns in 2024.
Organisations can apply for a share of £750,000 to support outreach projects that will contribute to the Generation Aviation programme. We are looking for outstanding outreach projects that can meet the following three objectives:
- Inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, championing the opportunities available in the sector. Activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation. This might also involve supporting someone to develop skills or experience that could be useful for a career in aviation but should not replace formal education i.e. delivery of statutory licences or educational qualifications.
- Reach individuals who would not otherwise be aware of opportunities available within the aviation sector. We would encourage applicants to consider how their project might benefit under-represented groups (i.e. women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, lower socio-economic backgrounds).
- Have a broad impact by reaching and engaging multiple people. This might be achieved through some form of mass participation event, delivery through an education setting or youth group, or via virtual methods that can reach a mass audience.
As with last year, the funding competition will continue to be jointly administered by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund is an important part of the Department for Transport outreach work, carried out under the Generation Aviation campaign – a joint project between HM Government and industry that aims to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access, so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.
Clarification Questions
Please see below responses to questions submitted within the clarification window. Please also read the guidance document.
Clarification Questions – to aid with application
Would teaching resources to help upskill teachers and careers advisers and reach mass audiences in education be eligible?
The guidance document outlines the objectives and eligibility criteria for applicants. If you can demonstrate your project meets the objectives and your organisation can meet the criteria, we’d encourage you to apply.
Would the development of VR resources to bring aviation to life be eligible?
As above.
Can Exempt Charities apply?
Exempt Charities may apply. Crucially, the project proposed must run on a not-for-profit basis.
Can projects use rocketry?
Yes.
Is it ok for the funding to be used to provide opportunities to undergraduates as well as school children?
There is no age limit for who funding can be provided to. As long as you can demonstrate that your project meets the objectives and your organisation can meet the criteria as set out in the guidance document, we’d encourage you to apply.
Is it ok that this is an extension and enhancement of an existing project rather than an entirely new initiative?
Yes, extension and enhancement of current projects is eligible for funding. However, to prevent double funding, this should be for a distinct aspect of your current project.
Are we able to support young people in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales with this outreach?
Projects must be focussed mainly on England, with the possibility of delivering across the UK. As long as your project is focussed mainly in England, then it is allowable for it support young people in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland as well.
Are there suggested limits/amounts on each level as to what the maximum or expected grant size is?
We cannot provide suggested limits, as the amount you request should be proportionate to your project and ambition. We do not score your application based on the amount you apply for but we will score your application according to Annex B of the guidance document.
Does this include projects that are focused on UAS/Drone operations and aviation?
Yes, Generation Aviation’s objectives and criteria support skills development across the aviation sector including UAS/Drone operations
Can Higher Education Institutions apply?
Yes. Crucially, the project proposed must run on a not-for-profit basis.
Can a Commercial organisation apply?
As above.
Can tables and/or graphics be included in the application?
No. There are table templates to be completed as part of the application form – these can be seen in the guidance document.
Can the application focus on Scotland?
No. Projects must be focussed mainly on England, with the possibility of delivering across the UK.
Can applicants partner with non-profit organisations with their funding?
Yes, they can as long as there is no profit made from the granted funds.
Is it possible to see previous successful applicants and their initiatives?
Applicants from the previous Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund are on the STEM website.
How many applications were submitted last year?
52 applications were submitted in the last challenge fund.
How many organisations will receive funding (is it 10 as with the previous year)?
All eligible applications go through the judging panel. We fund applicants until the fund is used, all shares are not equal which could result in a number over or under ten – this depends on successful applicants’ awarded amount of funding.
Does registering your interest guarantee automatic grant application?
All applications need to be submitted in full by 12:00 on 27th September 2024. Registering interest will not guarantee grant application alone. Please ensure you are submitting your application through the form linked on the CAA STEM website. Any applications submitted after this time, or through any other means will not be accepted.
Do we offer word documents to allow drafting of the application prior to the final copy?
All questions are listed on the guidance document, on the last two pages, which will allow you to draft your application. You can also start, save and return to your application until the final submission deadline.
Can we apply for funding if within the flight training sector?
No if the funding is being sought for flight training, formal qualifications or related to licensing. Activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation. This might also involve supporting someone to develop skills or experience that could be useful for a career in aviation, but should not replace formal education i.e., delivery of statutory licences or educational qualifications.
Can the fund be used to assist with current apprentice training within our organisation?
The funding is for outreach projects and cannot be used to fund training or qualifications. Activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation. This might also involve supporting someone to develop skills or experience that could be useful for a career in aviation, but should not replace formal education i.e., delivery of statutory licences or educational qualifications.
Are successful applicants from previous years of RFTS able to apply for the challenge fund?
Yes, successful applicants in previous years are welcome to submit an application this year. However, projects should be able to run each year independently, and the funding should not be used to fund project(s) already costed from the year before.
Previous Successful Applicants
In 2023, ten non-profit organisations were selected, with the cash going to fund outreach programmes and events to show the next generation of aviation leaders what opportunities the sector can offer. The recipients were:
- Big Ideas Community Interest Group
- Cambridge Science Centre
- Flight Crowd
- Education and Employers Taskforce
- Harlow College
- Leicester Education and Business Company
- London City Airport
- The Air League
- TEC Women CIC
- University of Leeds