ANNAPOLIS, MD, August 7, 2008 -- Twenty years and $800,000 later, the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has set aside another $50,000 for its Boating Safety Grant program that helps neighborhood groups develop innovative projects that promote safe boating on local waterways.  Grants of up to $4,000 to local community organizations and non-profit groups for boating safety projects are available and applications are due November 1.

“Now is your time to take advantage of funding that can make a difference in boaters’ lives,” said BoatUS Foundation Grant Coordinator Alanna Keating, noting that this year’s grant program topic is alcohol and boating.

Keating says that US Coast Guard accident statistics point to alcohol use as the leading contributing factor in 21% of fatal boating accidents.  While it is not a requirement, “grant proposals that focus on how to reduce alcohol related fatalities will be given additional consideration,” she added.

The program is funded by BoatUS members.  Grants will be awarded in late January 2009.  Interested non-profit groups such as boat and yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons can download an application and get more information at BoatUS.com/foundation or call 703-461-2878, ext. 8354.

Past projects have included flying “blimps” with boating safety messages, poster design contests and public service announcements aired on movie theater screens, radio and television highlighting the importance of life jackets. 

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of 650,000 members of BoatUS.  The Foundation operates more than a dozen programs including the only accredited, free, online general boating safety course, a low-cost EPIRB rental program, the “Help Stop the Drops” national clean fueling campaign, and a free kid’s Life Jacket Loaner Program.

For more information on making a tax-deductible donation to help keep programs like these afloat, go to BoatUS.com/foundation