The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that its Anacortes Marine Trades (AMT) Committee has awarded $40,000 in community grants this year — a direct reinvestment into programs that strengthen our maritime culture and expand access to life on the water.
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The AMT Committee is made up of approximately 70 marine industry businesses based in or actively serving Anacortes. These businesses represent a broad cross-section of the maritime economy, including vessel sales and brokerage, boat repair and maintenance, boater education and safety training, and marine services and supply providers.
Together, they support one of the most dynamic boating hubs in the Pacific Northwest.
Each year, proceeds from the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show are reinvested directly into organizations that help children, families, and community members feel confident and capable on the water.
The grant funding will support programs focused on youth sailing and boating education, water safety and life jacket awareness, hands-on maritime skill development, and expanding access to recreational boating.
A Collective Effort with Meaningful Impact
Beyond the dollars invested, the true strength of the Marine Trades Committee lies in the relationships built between industry, education, and community organizations.
“We met Jesica earlier this year, and her willingness to listen, learn, and connect us more deeply with the community was truly incredible. Her encouragement to engage with the AMT Committee opened a meaningful door for us. Being welcomed into those meetings allowed us to share what The Salish Sea School is doing for local youth and to meet so many of the amazing businesses that make up Anacortes’ working waterfront.”
This type of collaboration reflects the Chamber’s commitment to creating meaningful connections between businesses and nonprofits — strengthening not only individual organizations, but the broader maritime ecosystem that defines Anacortes.
2025 Marine Trades Grant Recipients
The Salish Sea School — $12,000
Funding will launch a Salish Sea Adventure Club for Anacortes Middle School students and provide a boat- and island-based field trip for local fifth graders — many of whom will be stepping onto a boat for the very first time.
Anacortes Community Boating — $5,000
Funds will support the purchase of a fully rigged Zodiac AKA Marine Hypalon R47-B with center console and 50 HP Mercury outboard, expanding on-the-water programming capacity to over 600 kids. Delivery is anticipated in April 2026.
Skagit Search & Rescue — $5,000
Grant funds will help purchase a towed array side scan sonar system, allowing the team to more confidently conduct cadaver and small target evidence searches in deeper waters.
Seafarers Worldwide — $5,000
Funding supports local workforce training leading to recognized maritime credentials and entry-level employment in the marine trades, including Able Seaman (AB) Certification and Proficiency in Survival Craft Limited (PSCL).
Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation — $5,000
Supports the NW Maritime Apprenticeship and Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship for Maritime Careers, preparing individuals for meaningful maritime employment.
Skagit Valley College Marine Technology Program — $8,000
Funds will update inverters and control panels on student electrical training carts to align with current industry-standard equipment used by local boat builders.
Investing in the Future of Anacortes
These grants reflect a shared belief: when local industry reinvests locally, the entire community benefits. From youth exposure and safety training to workforce development and emergency response capacity, the Marine Trades Committee continues to strengthen the working waterfront and recreational boating culture that define Anacortes.
