WATERSPORTS -- The Northwest Marine Trade Association is accepting applications through Jan. 29 for a grant program to boost non-profits seeking assistance in promoting boating in the region.

The Grow Boating program seeks to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often. Since 2003, NMTA has spent more than $1 million to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest through various events, sponsorships and programs, says Lisa Samuelson, assocition spokeswoman in Seattle.

Multiple grants totaling $15,000 will be awarded this year.

Applications must fall into one the following categories:

Youth Boating Grant

• Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at getting or increasing youth participation in boating activities.

Discover Boating Grant

• Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.

Boater Education / Safety Grant

• Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on how to be safe on the water.

To apply for a NMTA Grow Boating grant, visit www.NMTA.net/grant and download a grant application.

Contact: Karsten McIntosh, karsten@nmta.net  or (206) 634-0911.