About the Foundation

In 1995 the Marine Industries Association of Collier County Foundation was established. Charitable recognition (501c (3)) was awarded in 1996 by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation was organized to develop, produce, and support programs related to recreational boating and our marine environment. The Foundation will not participate in lobbying activities but will concentrate on programs of education and safety for local boaters and those for the enhancement of our marine environment. Many of these programs will be conducted directly through the MIACC Foundation, programs for boating safety in local schools, donation of equipment to defend the marine environment, and production and free distribution of charts of local waters indicating speed zones and areas of marine conservation. The Foundation will also support other community-based programs/projects that are consistent with the goals of the Foundation.

In 2020 the Foundation was gifted property on Keewaydin Island by the Dean family with the mission “To provide an educational, natural Florida waterfront preserve that inspires environmental stewardship and celebrates the historical and cultural heritage of Southwest Florida.”

Annually, the Foundation produces the Free Kids Fishing Clinic at the Naples Pier. The primary goal of this program is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems and ethical angling skills. The Clinic also teach fundamental saltwater fishing knowledge and skills while promoting a positive fishing experience.

The Foundation is working with local environmental organizations to decrease pollution of our waterways, improve protection of the marine habitat, and improve boating safety.