West Marine announces fall cycle for BlueFuture grants

WATSONVILLE, California ― Maritime nonprofit youth organizations can apply online for West Marine’s 2017 BlueFuture grants from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1. The community-based organizations receiving the grants will be revealed in November.

The grant amounts are $1,500 for nonprofit organizations offering youth learning opportunities in sailing, powerboating, paddling, fishing or constructing boats as well as encouraging preservation of aquatic environments and education in marine sciences.

“It’s important to us that we’re able to help local nonprofits give more young people access to the water,” Deb Radcliff, senior vice president of marketing, said.

West Marine started BlueFuture in May 2015 and holds three main fundraising events to obtain money for the grants. The events held at West Marine locations include the Month of Giving in December, National Safe Boating Week in May, and World Oceans Day in June.

The grants awarded to such organizations will help provide funds for youth programs, scholarships, staff and new equipment.

The grant cycles are twice a year. The website, to submit an application for the fall grant cycle or to learn more about this program and make a donation, is westmarine.com/BlueFuture.