November 1, 2000 marks the deadline for applications for the BoatU.S. Foundation's Grassroots Grants Program, which is primarily funded through 515,000 BoatU.S. members.


Through the program, the Foundation awards grants ranging up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations and volunteer boating groups. Funds are used for local boating-safety projects. The last 11 years have witnessed the awarding of more than $500,000 to approximately 300 groups.


"We encourage local organizations to submit grant applications for projects reflecting a unique way to promote boating safety in a community," said Ruth Wood, BoatU.S. Foundation's director. "The variety of innovative projects we supported this year ranged from a cinema advertising campaign in New York to mobile billboards with safety messages at busy boat ramps in Florida to Emergency Flare Exchange Days in California."


A complete application can be obtained by calling Vanessa Pert at (703) 461-2878 ext. 3016 or by visiting www.BoatU.S.com/foundation. All applications must be postmarked and all online applications submitted by November 1. Final grants will be awarded in January 2001.