As a 501 C 3 tax exempt Foundation, contributions to Blue Water are fully tax deductible. The Golden Bear that we own was donated, the Police Department, the San Francisco Unified School District, individuals, and companies donate funds and supplies.

We have no paid employees. All of us are volunteers and most of us contribute our own money or sailing gear to make this work. Every dollar donated goes to maintain the boats, buy safety gear for the kids or for minor business matters such as keeping this website alive.

With two vessels and thousands of children wanting to participate, we always need monies for upkeep and maintenance. We are proud of our vessels and strive to keep them in as good condition as possible. As an example, in 2003 we spent over $20,000 to rerig Golden Bear. With Blue Water it’s easy to see where your donations go ... look to the Bay!

Challenge a child in a new environment, show him or her that they "have the right stuff" to handle a forty plus foot boat in twenty-five knots of wind ... and you have shown them something about themselves that a trip to Disneyland or playing video games simply cannot do. We give challenge, we give joy, and that is what makes the difference.

To do that, we hope for donations from all those who realize that the best way to help someone is not to give them a gift ... but to show them the gifts they already have. As one contributor commented, he "... wanted to do something to get kids away from the drug infested streets." Our answer: show them a level of excitement that no drug induced experience can equal.

To Sponsor or Donate...

New! Help bring the Blue Water Foundation program to schools in need by making a donation to the Blue Water Foundation. We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible.

Contact our secretary Lee Stimmel at lstimmel@stimmel-law.com, and he will tell you how to make sure you get your full tax deduction. Our books are, of course, open to anyone who cares to look.

Companies interested in sponsoring our activities can expect public thanks from our organization and the people we work with ... and, above all, the thanks of the youth you are helping!