Our Mission:
Empower.
The African proverb, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child", is as true today as it was hundreds of years ago. It is in this spirit that the Seafarers Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2008 as a 501 (c)(3) public charity, to provide scientific and educational programs to support the children, parents/guardians, seniors, and others in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Prince Georges County. The Seafarers Foundation is the charitable arm of the Seafarers Yacht Club, Inc.
All contributions to the Seafarers Foundation, Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
A copy of the current financial statement of the. Seafarers Foundation, Inc. is available by writing Treasurer, Seafarers Foundation, 301 Chester Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
Our Mission
The mission of the Seafarers Foundation, Inc. is to provide educational services for underserved children, senior citizens, and others in the community with specific needs. Our programs include healthcare, finance, parenting, and other day-to-day activities that improve the quality of life of our community. However, our primary focus is on providing instruction and practical experiences for our children in water safety, swimming, sailing/boating, marine navigation, fishing and meteorology.
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Our Impact
A Seafarers Foundation Summer Youth Program participant engages in a flight simulation over Annapolis with faculty at the US Nava Academy
Summer Youth Program
The Seafarers Foundation’s primary focus is on underserved children. Each summer since 2003 children between the ages of 8 and 11, principally from Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, were identified to participate in the Seafarers Summer Youth Program. Initially, the Seafarers Yacht Club provided these services, however, in 2008 the Seafarers Foundation assumed programmatic and fiscal responsibilities. The program provides instructions and practical experiences in water safety, swimming, fishing, boating, the science of marine navigation, information on career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and other life skills, including financial slamming and management, dental and body hygiene, common courtesy, and respect for fellow human beings. The Summer Youth Program is held in the historic clubhouse of the Seafarers Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland. The 2024 Summer Youth Program will span two-weeks from Monday-Friday, 10-21 July, and will take applications from boys and girls aged 8-12 (or youth who are alumni of the program, or recommended by a member of the Seafarers Yacht Club). The program has a structured curriculum and lessons plans, designed to ensure the program meets its goals. The application to register for the program, will be available here once the recruitment starts.
10+
Thousands of Dollars Raised
In support of the foundation goals, we have raised thousands of dollars in previous years, and are constantly looking for partners and new sponsors.
21+
Years Serving communities
We have served the Annapolis and other Maryland and DC communities for over 21 years, with a focus on underserved children, senior citizens, and others with special needs.
100+
Hundreds of People
Our programs have had an impact on hundreds of children, senior citizens, and other adults. We look forward to continuing to serve our growing communities with new and innovative programs.
“Participating in the Summer Youth Program of the Seafarers Foundation was one of the highlights of my sailing career. Being able to teach African American, Asian and Latino children about marine safety, navigation, and watching them learn to swim and/or improve their skills was amazing.”
Dr. Derrick L. Cogburn
Our Programs
We have four types of programs, all designed to benefit the communities we serve. These programs are only possible through the generous support of our community, and through our fundraising activities, grant funding, and the tireless support of our Board Members.
Summer Youth Program
As described above, the Summer Youth Program is the flagship project of the Seafarers Foundation. Since 2008 the Foudation has led this important initiative, building on the previous work in this area of the Seafarers Yacht Club, Inc. The Summer Youth Program is designed to save the lives of our children through water safety.
Community Lectures
The Seafarers Foundation regularly solicits experts in finance, healthcare and other topics to provide free community lectures at the Seafarers Yacht Club clubhouse. Previous topics have included: personal finance, social security benefits, medicare benefits, reverse mortgages, and long-term care insurance.
Thanksgiving for Seniors
Each year, the Seafarers Foundation provides a complete Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens who may be away from their families, indigent, or persons with disabilities. The meal, held at the clubhouse of the Seafarers Yacht Club, has had great success, thanks to the heartfelt support of our community.
Sea Scout Ship 1959
In 2018 the Seafarers Foundation agreed to charter a Sea Scout Ship for Annapolis. Seafarers Commitment - Sea Scout Ship 1959 began programmatic operations in 2019 and was selected as the 2021 National Flagship. It welcome boys and girls aged 10 - 13 for its Maritime Explorer Club, and aged 14-21 for the Sea Scout Ship.
Get Involved
If you would like to get involved in the work of the Seafarers Foundation, we welcome the opportunity to explore your interests. There are opportunities to sign-up for one of our programs, including applying to be a part of our Summer Youth Program; to serve as a volunteer, or of course, to make a donation to support our work.
Sign Up For a Program
If you would like to apply for one of our programs, please click the sign-up button below. This includes applying to our Summer Youth Program, to attend our Thanksgiving Dinner, our Annual Health Fair, or one of our Community Lectures.
Volunteer opportunities
There are a number of opportunities to volunteer to contribute to the work of the Seafarers Foundation. There is an application and screening process, and afterwards, we look forward to matching you with volunteer opportunities.
Make a Donation
Welcome your financial contributions to support the work of the Seafarers Foundation. No amount is to large, or to small, and we have mechanisms in place to support and recognize your generosity at all levels.