BoatUS Offers Boater Education Grants

Started more than 25 years ago, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water Grassroots Grant program provides local groups up to $10,000 to help educate boaters on safe and clean boating topics. A 365-day rolling grant application process allows applicants to apply at any time throughout the year, speeding the review process and allowing flexibility in funding projects.

To get started, groups submit a short letter of intent explaining the idea. If the idea is strong and meets Grassroots Grant program guidelines, the BoatUS Foundation will request a full proposal. Past projects have included public service announcements on the effects of boating under the influence, installing fishing line recycling bins, hands-on education about the effects of marine debris and even a distinctive airborne blimp adorned with boating safety messages.

“Our goal is facilitate behavioral changes in the boating community,” Alanna Keating, director of outreach for BoatUS Foundation said. “We are always looking for unique ideas that reach local boaters, either through technology or in other ways that can be measured in terms of success.”

Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million to organizations that have developed creative projects to promote safe and clean boating on their local waterways. For more information or to apply, go to BoatUS.org/Grants.