Support

We are grateful to our supporters who give generously and “make it all happen!” Donations to the Center provide year-round sailing education for youth, social and competitive sailing for all ages, and a strong boat fleet and facility for the whole community to enjoy.

We are a 501c3 organization so gifts of any size are fully tax deductible.

Donate

How to support the Sailing Center

Your financial contribution of any size is needed to keep our Center afloat and thriving. Please consider one or more of these ways to give.

Annual Giving – Making a yearly, unrestricted financial contribution is an excellent way to make sure the Sailing Center succeeds. Your gift will be put directly to use toward our ongoing operating costs. Please join others who give at a level that is meaningful to them.

Scholarships – Help a kid learn to sail, and have fun along the way! We ensure that underserved youth can participate in our educational programs by raising funds each year for scholarships. Our goal is for 20 percent of youth participants to receive scholarships, so that our program serves the whole community. Children ages six to 17 are referred by partner organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Wesley House, and Take Stock in Children. $295 pays for one student’s scholarship. Use the DONATE button on this page to give one or more scholarships today — a young person’s life will be changed as a result.

Boats Campaign – The Center must continually repair and replace boats in our growing fleet. Heavy boat usage takes a toll and must be remedied with updated parts, sails, and periodic purchase of used or new vessels. This is a major requirement based on our busy education program as well as member use of the fleet boats. We welcome contributions earmarked for purchasing and/or maintaining our Sailing Center boats.

Sponsorship – Local businesses have a tradition of providing an annual financial donation in return for inclusion on our website and signage at the Sailing Center. We would like to talk with you about your business support. We also ask that you patronize our generous business sponsors and thank them for their contributions to the Sailing Center. Contact Executive Director Ben Hermelin, executivedirector@kwcsc.org if you would like to discuss providing a sponsorship to support the Sailing Center.

What are the main expenses of running the Sailing Center and where does our income come from?

Expenses

The majority of our EXPENSE budget (60%) goes toward sailing education for kids, many of whom couldn’t afford it otherwise.
Other ongoing EXPENSES include purchase of boats, maintenance of boats and facilities, insurance and administration.

Income

25% of INCOME is from member dues, which we work to keep very affordable.
27% of the Center’s annual INCOME is from grants and donations — like yours!
34% of our INCOME is from program fees for summer camp, sailing lessons, and other educational activities.
14% of our INCOME is from fees for boat storage, in wet slips and on our property.

Volunteer

Become a part of our team

We need your time and talent! Many Sailing Center members or community volunteers enjoy pitching in on the variety of tasks needed to make our organization successful.

Here are ways you can help – in a team, along with others who love the Center:

Facility/Fleet Maintenance
Events/Regattas
Membership/Socials
Administrative Support
Fundraising
Communications/Outreach
Other – what ideas do you have about how to help make our Center stronger?

Let us know if you are interested in volunteering with the Sailing Center. Complete this simple form and someone will contact you.

Thank you – you will have fun joining with other Sailing Center volunteers who maintain our boats, docks and facilities, as well as assist with youth sailing or help with events.

Sponsorship

We sincerely appreciate the many businesses that give generously to support the Key West Community Sailing Center, listed below. Please visit these organizations and thank them! Click on a logo for the company’s website.

Would your business like to donate to the Sailing Center and help us serve the Key West community? Contact Executive Director Ben Hermelin, executivedirector@kwcsc.org