West Marine kicks off grant cycle for BlueFuture

WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA—West Marine kicked off its annual grant cycle for its nonprofit, BlueFuture, which provides grant support to nonprofits and community-based organizations that promote water life adventure, education and recreation for young people across the nation. The boating supply and fishing retailer opened the grant cycle Dec. 1. Nonprofits and 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 can apply for grant funding through Dec. 31. “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,” said Ken Seipel, CEO of West Marine, in a released statement. “Now more than ever we recognize the importance of getting kids out on the water. 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.” Nonprofits interested in applying can visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture to fill out and submit an online form. Grants are unrestricted, allowing the recipient...