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
Grants of up to $5,000 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 number of anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling participation among adults, particularly from non-traditional audiences. The applications are typically due February 15, with funding available in time for spring and summer programs the following year.
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) offers several grants throughout the year to organizations that want to join them with the goal of getting more anglers on the water. Check out their website to learn more about the opportunities RBFF provides. Applications are typically available starting in mid-December and are due mid-January.
Find grants of up to $1,000 for public school teachers (K-12) to undertake outdoor environmental education projects. Applications are typically due in June.
U.S. EPA - Environmental Education Division (EED) [exit DNR]
Find grants to support projects that enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills to help people make informed decisions about the environment. Applications are typically due in early November.
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
There are four grade-level categories of competition for each state: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Students are eligible to win scholarships, art supplies and fishing gear. Deadline: late February.
The Art of Conservation also has lesson plans that blend art and science to help teach about fish.