Did you know that the Seattle Boat Show is produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), founded in 1947? NMTA serves as the eyes and ears of the marine industry for boatyards, marinas, boat dealers, and other marine-related businesses. In addition to their Legislative priorities and representation, NMTA promotes recreational boating through their boat shows and their Grow Boating Program via media promotions and grants.

NMTA recently announced that their Grow Boating Program committee awarded $15,500 in grants to 14 organizations dedicated to improving boating access and the boating experience. Funding for these grants comes from space rental fees at the Seattle Boat Show. The Grow Boating Program has provided over $2million in grants since 2003.

These grants enable programs to reach underserved communities and youth programs. NMTA has announced the organizations receiving grants for 2025:

  • Anacortes Waterfront Alliance: To provide free community access to kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and sailboats during the summer.
  • Angling 4 Autism Society: To offer fishing experiences for individuals and families with autism and/or neurodiversity.
  • Bellingham Sailing Foundation: To assist with the construction of a new boating ramp at Squalicum Harbor Marina.
  • Blue and Gold Association of University of Washington Navy ROTC: To support University of Washington ROTC boating programs, such as the Sail Training Program, not funded by the Navy.
  • Campus Life: To facilitate summer boating days for at-risk and underserved youth, including tubing and wakeboarding activities.
  • Footloose Sailing Association: To provide sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
  • Friends of Bainbridge Island High School Sailing: To sponsor sailors from low-income families.
  • Gig Harbor Junior Sailing: To fund their 2025 sailing scholarships.
  • Renton Sailing Center: To purchase 24 new lifejackets.
  • Sail Kingston Cove: To provide sailing and water safety instruction for youth through high school.
  • Sail Sand Point: To offer full scholarships for low-income youth or youth from underserved communities.
  • SEASTR: To empower women through boating programs and foster interest in maritime activities.
  • Sisters in Action Sports: To expand SAS Wake/Surf Days in 2025 for women and girls.
  • Washington Yacht Club: To host a spring sailing event introducing underrepresented students to the sport.

Interested in supporting NMTA’s Grow Boating Program, provide a donation, or become a Member of NMTA? – go to www.nmta.net.

Photo: Bellingham Sailing Foundation