Our Partners

Mercantile is proud to have several key partners supporting the endeavours of our rowers. These partners are critical to the Club's success and we work together with them for our mutual gain. We thank them for their continued support.

Founded by Sean P. Colgan, the Colgan Foundation has supported athletes, students, scientists, mentors, Catholic clergy, war veterans, and others in need since 1995. The Foundation has grown to include other Colgan family members, and its philanthropic reach extends across the United States and beyond. From Philadelphia high schoolers, to children in El Salvador, to rowers in New Zealand, to active military in undisclosed international locations, the efforts of the Colgan Foundation make an impact around the world. We are blessed to have both Sean and Bibi Colgan as active and supportive members of our club.

To remain a high-performance club, Mercantile must have a suitable boathouse, employ excellent coaches, maintain an excellent fleet, and also have the ability to make step changes beyond the day-to-day operations of the Club. The Club’s Foundation exists to ensure this remains possible. The capital of the fund is about 40% of where it is required to achieve these lofty aims. 4% of the capital of the Foundation is paid to the Club annually to facilitate matters such as boathouse, equipment, coaching, volunteer support and athlete assistance. $1 mil. has been set aside for the rennovation of the boathouse in or about 2032.

Rowing Australia, through the pathways program, provides coaching grants for our head coach position. We are a dedicated partner in the Rowing Australia Pathways program.

Our school partners are important for the development and maintenance of the boathouse for both their and the Club's usage. The rental that they pay to the Club also is also vital in funding our rowing programs.