PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUEFUTURE
December 1 marked the launch of the 2020 grant cycle for West Marine’s nonprofit BlueFuture, which annually distributes grants to dozens of nonprofits around the U.S. in an effort to promote youth boating, fishing and marine education. Many nonprofits throughout the country are essential to providing youth with healthy outdoor activities and introducing them to the water and, particularly this year, they are in need of support more than ever.
Nonprofit, community-based organizations that teach sailing, powerboating, fishing, paddling or surfing; provide boatbuilding instruction; foster aquatic sustainability and conservation practices; or encourage learning in the marine sciences are encouraged to apply for a grant; the application process will close on December 31, 2020. Winners will be notified at the end of February 2021 and can expect to receive funds around March.
“We are proud to provide this opportunity to deserving nonprofits and organizations across the country that are dedicated to giving kids water life education and experiences. Now more than ever we recognize the importance of getting kids out on the water,” says Ken Seipel, CEO of West Marine. “Many organizations lost their sources of funding in 2020 and we knew we needed to continue with BlueFuture and support these nonprofit organizations that provide kids, especially those who may not have the opportunity, with a path to engage with boating, fishing, marine sciences and conservation.”
Throughout the month of December, West Marine encourages donations to BlueFuture by celebrating its “Month of Giving.” One hundred percent of all donations go directly to BlueFuture grants, and people can donate online or in West Marine stores.
To learn more or to apply for a grant, visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
