$500,000 has been distributed among 25 local nonprofit and educational organizations to stimulate youth interest in marine life, the marine industry, environmental stewardship, or West Palm Beach waterfront projects
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the largest boat shows in the world. As a major local event, the boat show has also given back to the community for decades.
Recently, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, which owns the boat show, and Informa, the boat show’s producer, decided to enhance this commitment, launching the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant program. Earlier this year, the groups chose the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to administer the program’s funds as a fellow partner in community building.
To date, the Foundation distributed a total of $500,000 to support programs that stimulate youth interest in marine life, the marine industry, and environmental stewardship, as well as waterfront projects in West Palm Beach.
“We’re grateful to collaborate with the Community Foundation to administer and manage the fund,” said Rena Blades, the boat show’s director of community and government affairs. “As a philanthropic leader in the region, we trust their expertise.”
The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant program aligns with three of the Community Foundation’s key grantmaking priorities: youth and education, economic opportunity, and a thriving community.
“The grant recipients represent a wide cross-section of programs that strengthen local youth’s knowledge and appreciation for our greatest natural resource,” said Danita R. DeHaney, Community Foundation President and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with the boat show team to expand their philanthropic impact on the community and our corner of paradise.”
This year, 25 nonprofit and educational organizations received grants to support waterfront-based projects and educational programs. Some highlights include:
- The Florida Fishing Academy’s Angling for a Healthy Future program, which teaches Palm Beach County Title I elementary and middle school students about fishing as a metaphor for life, then exposes them to the waterfront through fishing excursions.
- StreetWaves’ Kids & Cops Offshore Fishing program, which brings together local law enforcement with underserved youth. During these outings, participants not only get to experience offshore fishing, but also healthy interactions and role modeling.
- Inlet Grove High School’s Maritime Academy students can earn industry certifications through Yamaha. With these certifications, students can do service checks on either midrange or in-line outboard engines.
For more information about the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program, and a full list of the 2024 grantees, visit marinepbc.org/grant-program/.
About the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program
Through the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant program, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and Informa provide funding to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County. The grants will help the organizations to underwrite environmental and marine education programs, and waterfront projects in Palm Beach County that serve residents and visitors.
