Introduction
Sailors’ Snug Harbor of Boston and the Island Foundation are pleased to announce the continuation of a funding initiative designed to support programs working with Massachusetts fishermen and their families.  Nonprofit agencies which meet the criteria outlined below are invited to submit proposals for funding consideration. The deadline for receipt of proposals is the last Monday in August.

Background
Since 1994 Sailors’ Snug Harbor has conducted research on issues facing Massachusetts’ fishing communities, with a particular focus on those in New Bedford, Gloucester, and on Cape Cod.  As a result of what the staff and the trustees have learned, and with respect to the complexity of the issues involved, Sailors’ Snug Harbor and the Island Foundation have joined together to undertake this special funding initiative.

The initiative is designed as an effort to support community organizations currently serving the fishing population, as well as those agencies interested in expanding existing programs or developing new ones.  It is hoped that agencies will think creatively, and design programs that respond to the needs of individuals and the unique assets of fishing communities.

The Trustees have designated up to $200,000 for this initiative, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and averaging $10,000.

Overview and Goals
The focus of this initiative is to help current and former fishing families in Massachusetts achieve sustainable self-sufficiency during this period of transition in their industry.  It is the trustees’ hope that funded programs will work with fishermen and their families through the immediate crisis and beyond.  The trustees are interested in making grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that are presently providing services to fishermen and their families.  They are also interested in supporting agencies that would like to expand or develop new programs to serve the onshore needs of fishermen and their families.
Examples of qualified programs include, but are not limited to the following.

Potential applicants may also find it helpful to review the foundation’s List of Past Grants.
 

• Educational/vocational opportunities for children who are growing up in traditional fishing families, for whom the option to fish may no longer be feasible;

• Technical assistance and capacity-building for organizations serving fishing families, professional development opportunities for staff of those organizations, and efforts to improve communications and networking among organizations serving fishing communities;

• Networking and marketing opportunities that would support groups or individuals having a mutual interest, willing to work together to develop new concepts, deal with alternative fishing opportunities, and/or improve fisheries to make fishing economically viable and fisheries sustainable;

• Retraining and employment opportunities for fishermen and their families, including training and technical assistance in small business development;

• Social assistance initiatives, including short-term emergency financial support and substance abuse prevention and treatment, and the provision of information and referral services for fishermen and their families, and

• Personal financial counseling to assist fishing families during periods of income reduction or fluctuation.

Proposals may be submitted at any time, but must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the last Monday in August for consideration at the fall meeting. Proposals will be reviewed by mid-October and grants will be awarded in November. (see How to Apply).

Please submit one copy of your proposal to:

A second copy of proposals from New Bedford organizations should be mailed to: