Watsonville, CA, Feb 28, 2019 – On Friday, March 1, West Marine will begin accepting applications for its 2019 BlueFuture grants. The spring 2019 grant cycle will run through Sunday, March 31, with the names of grant recipients to be announced by the end of April. A total of 25 grants will be awarded.
Encouraged to apply are 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. The $1,500 grants are given without restriction; in other words, grant recipients are free to use the funds as they see fit to operate their respective programs.
“As an industry leader, we believe it’s our responsibility to teach new generations the benefits of spending time on the water,” said Laura Barry, director of marketing communications. “All of our BlueFuture grants go to nonprofit organizations that provide kids with the opportunity to engage with boating, fishing, marine sciences, and conservation. One hundred percent of the money raised for BlueFuture supports our grant program.”
Interested applicants can visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture, to fill out and submit an online form. The applications will be reviewed after the grant period closes on March 31, all winners will be notified by the end of April and grants are scheduled to be distributed in May.
BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund set up through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. To learn more about BlueFuture and how you can help, visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
About West Marine
For more than 50 years, West Marine has been the premier retailer of boating, fishing, sailing and paddling gear. With 244 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading resource for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. West Marine associates share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun. To learn more about West Marine, please visit the West Marine website at www.westmarine.com.
