Nominations open for 2025 DAME Design Awards charity donation

Metstrade is now accepting nominations for the 2025 DAME Design Awards charity donation. Each year, a charitable organisation operating within the leisure marine sector is selected to receive funding from the awards.

Registered charities engaged in marine conservation, education and related activities are invited to apply for consideration. The chosen organisation will receive financial support and increased visibility within the leisure marine industry. Applications must be submitted online by 2 May 2025.

The DAME Design Awards, which recognise excellence in marine product design, also provide an opportunity to contribute to social and environmental initiatives within the industry.

Niels Klarenbeek, director of Metstrade, states: “As the organiser of the world’s largest leisure marine exhibition, we are proud to play an active role in strengthening the social, environmental and economic impact of the marine sector. Our goal is to support and connect charitable organisations with the resources and networks needed to address the significant challenges and opportunities they face.”

Since 2008, the DAME Design Awards have donated over €250,000 to charitable causes. In 2024, more than €17,000 was provided to SailWise, a non-profit organisation offering water sports activities for people with disabilities.

Renske Rietbergen, director of SailWise, comments: “SailWise is able to take on projects largely through donations. One such project was the much-needed renovation of the docks at our Crusoe Island location. Thanks in part to the donation from the DAME Design Awards, we have successfully upgraded the docks using sustainable materials, providing a safer, more accessible environment for our users.”

The charity selected for 2025 will be announced in mid-June. The entry period for the DAME Design Awards opens in July and closes in mid-September, with over 100 companies expected to submit products for evaluation by an international panel of designers and industry experts. The donation will be presented at the official Metstrade opening ceremony at the RAI Amsterdam on 19 November 2025.

Further details and application submissions are available on the DAME Awards website.