Today, West Marine will begin accepting online applications for its next round of 2016 BlueFuture Fund grants. The fall grant cycle will run through October 1, with the names of grant recipients to be announced in November.
Encouraged to apply are nonprofit, youth-focused, community-based organizations that teach sailing, powerboating, fishing or boatbuilding skills; foster aquatic sustainability and conservation practices; and encourage learning in the marine sciences. The $1,500 grants are given without restriction; grant recipients are free to use the funds as they see fit.
West Marine created its nonprofit BlueFuture Fund in May 2015 to provide critical grant funding to charities across North America. The Waterlife outfitter conducts three annual in-store fundraisers to support the fund’s growth: National Safe Boating Week in May, World Oceans Day in June, and the Month of Giving in December.
It also encourages year-round donations through its website at westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
“As we continue to grow the BlueFuture Fund, we’ll be able to support even more nonprofit organizations across North America,” says Lindsey Johnson, West Marine’s Director of communications. “Working together, we can ensure better access to the water, provide more opportunities to engage in Waterlife recreation and education, and have a lasting impact in children’s lives.”
The BlueFuture Fund is a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz. All donations are fully tax-deductible, and twice each year, West Marine awards grants to worthy nonprofit organizations across North America. These much-needed funds allow the community-based groups to provide scholarships, purchase new equipment, maintain staff, add programs and so much more.
To learn more about West Marine’s 2016 BlueFuture grants and to submit an application, and for detailed information about the company’s BlueFuture initiative and how you can help, visit www.westmarine.com/bluefuture.
