Grants are awarded through the NMTA Grow Boating program whose mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often through the development of new or established programs, events, and promotions.
The grant process is open and competitive, and grants are reviewed and awarded by the Grow Boating Committee, which is made up of volunteers from member businesses representing all aspects of boating.
The Grow Boating program is funded by a portion of space rental fees collected by the association at its Seattle Boat Show each year.
Since 2003, the NMTA has spent nearly $2 million to promote Pacific Northwest boating and awards multiple grants up to $30,000 in total annually.
Who May Apply?
Non-profit boating organizations or for-profit entities applying for a specific grow boating purpose.
Preference given to programs/events committed to diversity and inclusion and targeted towards:
Women in boating
Fishing
Pulled/Powerboat sports
Programs targeting new audiences
Types of Projects Funded
Scholarships for programs
Outreach to non-traditional boating populations
On-water events
Programs with an entry level focus
What We Don’t Fund
Facilities/permitting
Large capital investments
Profitable events
Advanced boating programs
Operating overhead
Application categories
Youth Boating Grant: Awarded to group/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 group/organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.
Boater Education/Safety Grant: Awarded to group/organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on water safety.
Timeline
Grant application deadline is Oct. 31, 2021.
Grant recipients will be notified before December 31, 2021.
Checks are sent to recipients in spring/summer of 2022.
