Now on its fourth round, the Government’s Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund is once again providing a total of £750,000 to support not-for-profit schemes that provide an entry point for young people from underprivileged backgrounds or under-represented groups into the aviation/aerospace industry.

There is no set minimum or maximum amount. Total project costs should remain lower than £750,000. Projects can last between 3 and 12 months or they can be one-off.

To be eligible, the outreach projects must be:

• Delivered on a not-for-profit basis.
• Focused mainly on England, with the possibility of delivering across the UK.

And they need to meet the following three objectives:

• Inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, championing the opportunities available in the sector.  Applicants’ activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation, showing clear links to career pathways. This might also involve supporting someone in developing skills or gaining experience that could be useful for a career in aviation or aerospace but should not replace formal education.
• Reach individuals who would not otherwise be aware of opportunities available within the aviation sector. Applicants should consider how their project might benefit under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or those from 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.

Applications will be accepted from registered charities and not-for-profit registered companies with a UK bank account and a constitution/governing document.

The deadline for applications is 12 September 2025 (12 noon).