Backing grassroots where it matters most
The £20,000 Raptor Development Fund exists to support race organisers and club led rider development where road racing is active, accessible and capable of long term growth. For 2026, funding will focus on the Central, South East and South regions, helping strengthen the grassroots racing calendar and the people behind it.
Who it's for
Funding for grassroots road racing events from National B level down, with a particular focus on Regional A events.
Grant size: £500 to £1,000
Target support: minimum 15 events or organisers
Can be used for event delivery, logistics, women’s and youth categories, sustainability improvements, and event storytelling.
Who can apply?
Individual Applicants
- The event is non profit, with any surplus reinvested into future racing
- Has a minimum of three consecutive years of successful delivery
- Is primarily volunteer led or club run
- Operates through an open entry system
- Requires funding to support delivery, sustainability or participation growth
Rider Developments Via Clubs
Funding delivered through recognised clubs and youth development programmes to reduce barriers to participation in regional road racing.
Grant size: £250 to £500
Target support: minimum 6 clubs
Can be used for entry fees, travel, accommodation, and structured coaching or development support.
Eligibility
- Operate a recognised youth or U23 development pathway
- Support riders under 23 active in regional road racing
- Use funding to support access to racing, not elite performance programmes.
What the funding can be used for
In Scope
- Safety and logistics
- Event delivery costs
- Women’s and youth category support
- Volunteer training and sustainability improvements
- Photography and communications support
- Entry fees
- Travel and accommodation
- Structured coaching and development support
Out of Scope
- Prize funds
- Commercial profit generation
- Direct individual rider payments
- High end equipment
- Kit and luxury upgrades
Key Dates
APPLICATIONS OPEN
27 March 2026
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
12 April 2026
REVIEW PERIOD
Shortly after applications close
FUNDING DECISIONS
Communicated before May 2026
Backed by people who get it
The £20,000 Raptor Development Fund is split 50/50 between Raptor Bikes and GBH Exhibition Forwarding, a British freight forwarding business that has been supporting companies at trade shows around the world for 50 years.
GBH's involvement comes from its founder, Michael, a long-time cyclist who wanted to back the sport and way of life that has given him so much. His support is what makes the fund's reach possible, and we're grateful to have him alongside us.
