On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, West Marine kicked off its annual grant cycle for its nonprofit, BlueFuture. 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.
“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,” said 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.”
BlueFuture annually distributes much-needed grants to dozens of nonprofit organizations across the United States. Nonprofits interested in applying can visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture to fill out and submit an online form. Grants are unrestricted allowing the recipient to determine how the funding will be used. The applications will be reviewed after the grant period closes on December 31, all winners will be notified by the end of February 2021 and grants are scheduled to be distributed in March 2021.
BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund set up through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. During the 2020 Month of Giving this December, donations can be made at checkout in a West Marine store or online and 100% of the funds raised will go directly to BlueFuture grants. To learn more about BlueFuture, visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
