SEATTLE, December 30, 2025 — The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) has awarded $16,000 in Grow Boating grants to 10 nonprofits and community programs working to expand boating access, education, and on-the-water experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Funded by a portion of exhibitor space rental fees collected at the Seattle Boat Show each year, NMTA’s Grow Boating program has awarded more than $2 million in grants and promotional support since 2003. Over the past decade, more than 80 organizations have benefited from this investment in creating new boaters and strengthening regional boating culture.
“The organizations receiving Grow Boating grants this year are doing incredible work to welcome more people onto the water,” said George Harris, NMTA president and CEO. “Their programs break down barriers, open doors for new experiences, and strengthen the future of boating in our region. We’re honored to support their efforts and help ensure that boating remains a vibrant, accessible part of Pacific Northwest life.”
This year’s Grow Boating grant recipients and project highlights include:
- Blue and Gold Association of University of Washington Navy (Seattle) – Purchase foul weather gear and safety equipment for the Sail Training Program.
- Bremerton Yacht Club (Bremerton, WA) – Expand scholarships for youth attending Junior Learn-To-Sail camps.
- Community Boating Program (Port Angeles, WA) – Provide scholarships for underserved youth, deepen outreach, and offer more beginner-level camps and clinics.
- Friends of Bainbridge Island High School Sailing (Bainbridge Island, WA) – Provide financial support to sailors with demonstrated need.
- Hermiston Campus Life (Hermiston, OR) – Support a free, inclusive summer boating program with funding for fuel, safety equipment, transportation, and added sessions.
- Old Anacortes Rowing and Sailing Society (Anacortes, WA) – Replace the shelter top to protect boats, improve access for rowers with mobility challenges, and expand community rowing opportunities.
- Oregon Women’s Sailing Association (Portland, OR) – Maintain a safe, reliable fleet to support and grow sailing programs.
- Renton Sailing Center (Renton, WA) – Purchase youth life jackets for the 2026 season to ensure safe on-water access.
- Sisters in Action Sports (Seattle, WA) – Support their summer wake surfing and wake boarding clinics on Lake Washington.
- The Salish Sea School (Anacortes, WA) – Fund Island Explorers field trips, providing more than 80 primarily underserved students per session with their first boating experience, along with instruction in navigation, safety, and marine stewardship.
About the Northwest Marine Trade Association
The NMTA is the nation’s largest regional marine association, representing more than 550 companies in the recreational boating industry. The NMTA’s mission is to promote the growth of recreational boating and members’ businesses. The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest boat show, and the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show. Additional information is available at www.nmta.net
Contact:
Lisa Samuelson
Samuelson Communications
206-954-2574
lisa@samuelsoncom.com
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