Boating Gives Back: West Marine’s BlueFuture Program Gives Youth Access to Water Recreation
Today's member spotlight features West Marine—a California-based boating and fishing company, who kicked off their annual “Month of Giving” this December to support its nonprofit, BlueFuture®. BlueFuture was created to provide ongoing grant support to nonprofit, community-based organizations that promote waterlife adventure, education and recreation for young people across the nation.
With a global pandemic spurring a renewed interest in safe boating and outdoor recreation, West Marine recognizes that now, more than ever, it is incredibly important to get kids out on the water.
Grant recipients dedicate their time and resources to ensure that future stewards of the water have a safe place to learn, play and build a better tomorrow. These community-based programs also tend to have fewer resources in general but are now among the hardest hit by the pandemic. These programs are essential in providing a healthy break for children, fostering valuable and unique experiences, creating a separation of digital and real-life experiences and overall providing opportunities that would otherwise not be accessible.
“We’re thrilled to once again be raising money to support the BlueFuture program,” said Ken Seipel, CEO of West Marine. “With the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, we are excited to inspire our youth with an introduction to a hobby that’s as unique and exciting as getting out on the water, especially those who might otherwise not have the resources to do so.”
Since Blue Future was established in 2015 it has helped 248 non-profit organizations and donated almost $375,000 in grants.
West Marine is accepting donations from customers online and in person at all West Marine stores throughout December and 100 percent of the proceeds raised will benefit the BlueFuture grants program. To donate, please visit https://www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
West Marine is also accepting grant applicants through December 31. 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 marine sciences.
Nonprofits interested in applying can visit here to submit an online form. 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.
Does your company have a goodwill story to share? Whether it’s a charity you support or a new eco-friendly initiative we would love to hear about it. Please send your story for consideration as a feature in NMMA’s ‘Boating Gives Back’ series to the Public Relations team at [email protected].