Lacy E. "Nick" Nichols Education Fund

In 2013, SOBA established the Lacy E. "Nick" Nichols Education Fund in memory of Nick — a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for boating access. Nick served the SOBA membership in many roles, including board member, task force and committee participant, and dynamic speaker at numerous annual conferences.
 
The Education Fund was created to help members attend the SOBA Education & Training Symposium by offering non-federal matching funds for expenses associated with Boating Access, Clean Vessel Act (CVA), or Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) programs. The application process has been streamlined to make it as convenient as possible.
 
Applicants may apply for up to $740 to fully cover the $695 SOBA Symposium attendee registration fee, as well as the $45 registration fee for the educational field trip.
 
Applications must be submitted by July 6, 2026, to be considered.
 

Additional Information

Lacy E. Nichols Education Fund Guidelines

Application Form

Lacy E. “Nick” Nichols

Lacy E. “Nick” Nichols
(Dec. 22, 1944 - Dec. 1, 2012)

Nick worked for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for 23 years as a construction manager, overseeing operations, maintenance, upgrades, and construction of numerous boating facilities. Shortly after his retirement, the Cedar Creek boating facility was named in his honor. The Department's Director stated, “We are naming this great facility for Nick as a lasting tribute to his hard work and contributions to outdoor recreation and conservation in Delaware. His innovative and successful projects have served and will continue to serve Delaware's boaters and anglers.” This exemplifies Nick's hard work, dedication, and passion for providing quality facilities while fulfilling SOBA’s mission.