Marine Industry Foundation (MIF) in Australia has just held its first public fundraising and grants presentation function. The event took place at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and raised over A$38,000.

MIF’s mission is to provide support to disadvantaged groups and those disconnected from recreational boating with access to boating experiences and skills. MIF also aims to provide opportunities for employment, education and training within the marine industry.

The MIF’s first grants were awarded to Fishers with Disabilities WA Inc (Fishability) and Sailability Middle Harbour (Sydney).

Howard Glenn, MIF chairman, explains: “The next round of funding and scholarship support will be announced after the close of submissions on September 30, 2016. The Foundation will also be shortly announcing dates for fund raising events in Perth and the Gold Coast.”

Glenn also thanked the 34 event sponsors and prize donors that most significantly contributed to the raising of funds to support the Foundation’s mission. He said: “I would like to acknowledge in particular the generosity of Foundation patron Jeff d’Albora who is matching dollar for dollar funds raised up to A$200,000.”