West Marine has announced the 50 nonprofit organizations that will receive $1,500 in grant awards in the retailer’s BlueFuture waterway stewardship program. Earlier this month, West Marine distributed checks to the winners. They are all community-based organizations dedicated to getting young people on and around the water in recreational and educational activities.

“During each grant cycle, all of us at West Marine are impressed by the sheer number of outstanding nonprofits serving and working in communities large and small,” said Laura Barry, director of marketing and communications at West Marine, in a statement. “This year’s BlueFuture grant cycle brought more than 240 applications — all from deserving organizations. We’re delighted to see how each nonprofit will be able to serve their communities and environments with the new funds.”

BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz, Calif. Twice each year, West Marine awards grants to nonprofit organizations across North America.