West Marine announced the names of the 25 non-profit organizations that will receive fall BlueFuture grants.
This month the company will present the unrestricted $1,500 grants to the winners — community-based organizations that seek to get young people on and around the water in recreational and educational capacities.
“No one understands the needs of a community better than those who live and work there, particularly when it comes to serving at-risk youth and improving youth access to the water,” West Marine communications director Lindsey Johnson said in a statement.
“We want to serve as a valued partner for these organizations as they seek to make a real difference in children’s lives through waterlife adventure, education and stewardship.”
West Marine received more than 100 applications this fall from all over the country.
“Applications are coming from the Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic, even from the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the desert Southwest,” Johnson said.
“We’re absolutely thrilled because it’s apparent that BlueFuture’s message is resonating with the organizations we’re trying to reach. It also demonstrates that you can have access to the water no matter where you live. If there’s a lake or a river, you can have a waterlife.”
