The BOAT/ U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety is offering grants of up to $5,000 for local boating-safety projects. Over the last ten years, the Foundation's Grassroots Grants Program has awarded about $450,000 to 263 volunteer boating groups and other non-profit organizations throughout the United States.

The grant application, including guidelines and instructions, is available by calling Vanessa Pert at (703) 461-2878, ext. 3016 or visiting the Web site . All application packets must be postmarked and all on-line applications must be submitted to the Foundation by November 1, 1999. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary must submit applications through the National Board Incorporated.

"This program is designed to encourage innovative programs that address the boating safety concerns of communities nationwide," said Ruth Wood, director of the BOAT/ U.S. Foundation. The grants will be awarded in January 2000. Funding for the program comes from the 500,000 members of BOAT/ U.S., the world's largest organization of recreational boaters.

Visit us at www.boatus.com/foundation