GRANT PROGRAM CRITERIA AND APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Through our Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program, we provide grants to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County to underwrite programs, initiatives, and activities related to the county’s marine industry and environment. Eligible efforts may include fishing, boating, marine education, and marine industry workforce development programs.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program is funded through the proceeds from the annual Palm Beach International Boat Show held in March in West Palm Beach, Florida. The boat show is owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County Inc. (MIAPBC), and has been produced annually for more than 40 years. The boat show makes a major economic impact on the region.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is also a much-loved annual tradition for local residents of the region, and is widely known as one of only a handful of must-attend, major events. As a result, the MIAPBC has always given back to the community through sponsorships and underwriting of organizations.
In 2023, the tradition of community giving was enhanced through a commitment by the MIAPBC to provide substantially larger funding each year so that the impact of the Boat Show is even more meaningful.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program is funded through PBIBS ticket sales, optional ticket price add-ons, and other boat show-related activities. It is our hope that successful, grant-underwritten projects will positively impact thousands of lives through inspiring programs, initiatives, and activities related to the county’s marine industry and environment, including fishing, boating, marine education, and marine industry workforce development programs.
ABOUT THE MARINE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986. Its mission is to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment. The MIAPBC brings the community two annual signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Palm Beach International Boat Show features billions of dollars of yachts and accessories, with an economic impact of $1.05 billion statewide and $163.1 million in Palm Beach County. The MIAPBC supports more than 40 local, marine-related events and nonprofits that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond, with a portion providing scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has donated more than $3.5 million to local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates.
Deadlines/Timeline
September 2026:Â Grant application opens
October 30, 2026:Â Grant application closes
November 2026 - December 2026:Â Grant applications reviewed
November 30, 2026:Â 2026 Grant awards reports due
December 2026:Â Grant awards announced and recipients notified
January 20, 2027:Â Grant awards cocktail reception
Programs that are funded by this grant must take place within one year, starting in February 2027 and ending no later than November 2027.
Grant Application
(Required with all submissions.)
- Copy of the 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.
- A list of current officers and board of directors.
- Budget for the program or project for which funds are requested.
- Current year annual operating budget for the organization applying.
- Copy of the organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
- Copy of the organization’s most recent Audited Financial Statement.
- Any agreements with partners for the potential project or program, if applicable.
- Letters of support are optional.
Please Submit PDF application to info@marinepbc.org.
If you encounter any issues, feel free to email us.
Grants are intended to fund specific projects or activities that serve a public or charitable purpose.
Sponsorships are a tool we use to gain exposure and promote the MIAPBC. If an event sponsorship (such as a fishing tournament, gala, festival, etc.) is a better fit than grant funding, click below.
