Northwest Marine Trade Association announces Grow Boating grants

The Northwest Marine Trade Association has announced its 2018 grant program for non-profits seeking assistance in promoting boating in the Pacific Northwest.

The grants are being awarded through the NMTA’s Grow Boating program whose mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often.

Since 2003, NMTA has spent more than $1.5 million to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest through various events, sponsorships and programs.

The program’s mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often through the development of new programs, events and promotions.

NMTA’s Grow Boating program is funded by a portion of space rental fees collected by the association at its Seattle Boat Show each January. 

In addition to the available grants, NMTA Grow Boating funds a promotional campaign called the Northwest Salmon Derby Series – partnering with 15 derbies around the region to promote and increase participation in those fishing events.

The NMTA’s Grow Boating program also offers sailboat rides at popular regional sailing events and sponsors a number of regional boating events.

The NMTA will award multiple grants up to $20,000 by mid-April 2018. Interested organizations can apply online. 

“Our efforts and programs have reached more than a million people since 2003. We’re very pleased to be able to continue supporting non-profit groups who share our mission of getting more people out on the water or introduced to the joys of boating into our 15th year,” said Mark Yuasa, NMTA’s director of Grow Boating.  

Applications must fall into one the following categories: 

• Youth Boating Grant Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at getting or increasing youth participation in boating activities.
• Discover Boating Grant Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.   ·   
•  Boater Education / Safety Grant Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on how to be safe on the water.  

Completed applications must be received by Feb. 5, 2018. Grants will be awarded by mid-April 2018. Call (206) 634-0911 for more information.