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Shackleton funded the Endurance expedition from a variety of sponsorships and private sources.
James Caird, a wealthy jute manufacturer from Dundee made a substantial contribution which allowed the expedition to proceed.

Dear Sir Ernest Shackleton
The account you give me of your plan of going from sea to sea is so interesting I have pleasure in giving you my cheque for £24,000 without any conditions in the hope that others may make their gifts for this Imperial journey also free of all conditions
I am yours truly James Caird

Shackleton named one of the lifeboats James Caird. The boat was salvaged from Endurance and eventually reached the safety of South Georgia in May 1916.