Educational grants & contests

Reel in grants to enhance your school- or community-based conservation, environmental and outdoor education efforts. For example, some grants provide funding to purchase fishing equipment or help get your students engaged in habitat restoration work. Occasionally, fisheries-related contests (but not fishing tournaments) are posted here, too. Check back often for updates on deadlines or new grants.

Grants

Angler R3 Grants

Grants of up to $15,000 for organizations and individuals interested in Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation. This grant, supported by federal Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) funds, provides financial assistance to partners to conduct Angler R3 programs and activities in Wisconsin. Its goals are to grow the numbers of anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling participation among adults, particularly from non-traditional audiences. The applications are typically due February 15 each year with funding available in time for spring and summer programs

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation [exit DNR]

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) offers several grants throughout the year to organizations that want to join them in the goal of getting more anglers on the water. Check out their website to learn more about the opportunities RBFF provides.

 

Teachers' Outdoor Environmental Education Fund [exit DNR]

Find grants of up to $1,000 for public school teachers (K-12) to undertake outdoor environmental education projects. Applications are typically available starting in April and due early September.

Great Lakes Fishery Trust - Ecosystem Education Projects [exit DNR]

These grants are for educational, governmental, tribal and nonprofit institutions which have a 501(c)(3) designation and are for specific funding goals, themes and priorities. Pre-proposals accepted through mid-January each year and proposals due in April.

U.S. EPA - Environmental Education Division (EED) [exit DNR]

Find grants to support projects that enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills that can help people make informed decisions about the environment. Applications are typically due in early December.

Wisconsin Coastal Management Program [exit DNR]

The Wisconsin Department of Administration administers educational grants related to the Great Lakes through the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). Applications are typically due in early November.

Contests

Wildlife Forever - State Fish Art Contest [exit DNR]

There are three categories of competition for each state: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. Students are eligible to win scholarships, art supplies and fishing gear. Deadline: late March.