DAME Design Awards charity donation 2025 now open for nominations

2024 DAME - Sailwise ceremony © Metstrade

The Metstrade organisation is inviting nominations for a worthy charitable cause to benefit from the 2025 DAME Design Awards charity donation.

Each year, Metstrade supports a charity in the leisure marine sector, with a contribution from the DAME Design Awards helping to fund this important cause.

Calling all charities in the leisure marine industry

The DAME Design Awards competition continues its tradition of supporting a leisure marine-related charity. We invite registered charities involved in marine conservation, education, and similar initiatives to apply for the opportunity to become this year's beneficiary. The selected charity will not only receive a financial donation but will also gain significant visibility, helping to further their mission within the leisure marine community.

Eligible leisure marine-related public charities are encouraged to submit their applications by 2 May 2025 for consideration as the recipient of this year's donation. Applications must be submitted online here.

Enhancing the industry's social responsibility

The DAME Design Awards, recognised globally for their celebration of excellence in product design, also provide an important opportunity to give back to the community. Through this initiative, Metstrade is dedicated to supporting social and environmental causes that make a lasting difference within the industry.

Niels Klarenbeek, Director of Metstrade, shared: "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."

2024 DAME - Sailwise ceremony - photo © Metstrade

Supporting initiatives worldwide

Since 2008, the DAME Design Awards have contributed over €250,000 to various charitable causes. Last year, more than €17,000 was donated to SailWise, a non-profit that offers water sports for people with disabilities, promoting independence and confidence beyond recreational activities.

Renske Rietbergen, Director of SailWise, commented: "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."

All past beneficiaries can be found at the DAME Design Awards website.

DAME Design Awards charity selection timeline

The selected charity will be announced in mid-June. The entry period for the DAME Design Awards will open in July and close in mid-September, with more than 100 companies expected to submit their latest innovations for consideration by the prestigious panel of international designers and industry experts.

The donation will be presented to the chosen charity during the official Metstrade opening ceremony at the RAI Amsterdam on 19 November 2025.

For more information or to submit an application, visit damedesignawards.com/charity.