Two great funding opportunities are available for bass fishing organizations, clubs, groups, and agencies looking to do conservation projects in 2025. Grant proposals can be submitted to the AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program and the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame by following the instructions below.
The AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program is offering grants totaling $25,000 for the coming year. The Bass Fishing HOF is awarding $40,000 to organizations that are working on fishing related conservation projects in 2025. They are also accepting scholarship applications.
AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program
The AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program was created to help provide funds to approved freshwater bass conservation projects proposed by B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. Through current grassroots B.A.S.S. Nation organizations, the organization’s goal is to foster community and youth-oriented conservation projects that positively impact local fisheries.
Each project must have an endorsement of the local fisheries management agency and work to accomplish goals of mutual benefit, and an evaluation component to determine success. A project may be part of a larger project, and working with partners is strongly encouraged. Having already obtained matching funds and/or donations of materials and/or in-kind services increases a project’s value. The project must demonstrate a good investment for AFTCO and B.A.S.S. in terms of feasibility, accountability, and financial leverage.
Project Focus Should Accomplish One or More of the Goals Below
- Make a significant contribution to protect or enhance natural or artificial fish habitat.
- Prevent, manage or eliminate aquatic invasive species via action or education/outreach.
- Demonstrate best-practices in tournament fish care to maximize survival of released fish.
- Protect or enhance angler or boater access to public waters.
- Address an acute or chronic aquatic resource pollution issue.
- Demonstrate a new or innovative approach to conservation education.
All submissions must be recieved by April 15, 2025. Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from B.A.S.S. and AFTCO. Please direct any questions to Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Scholarships and Grants
Celebrating the past and promoting the future of bass fishing are core values of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. So is preserving the future of bass fishing through conservation initiatives. To that end, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame offers a number of grants and scholarships.
Grants
Join the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in making a splash for conservation with their Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Grant Program! The Hall of Fame is dedicated to funding approved projects, especially those led by grassroots bass organizations, that empower youth to champion conservation efforts in local fisheries. Eligible projects actively involve young enthusiasts, emphasizing resource stewardship and anglers’ roles in conservation. Endorsed by local fisheries management agencies, these initiatives focus on habitat protection, invasive species management, tournament fish care, public access enhancement, pollution mitigation, and innovative conservation education. Grant applications due by April 15, 2025. Apply here.
Scholarships
Harnessing the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s extensive network within fisheries management across state, federal, and provincial levels, the organization recognizes the urgent demand for future fishery and natural resource professionals. Many of these experts emerge from the ranks of recreational anglers, particularly bass anglers. This initiative not only aligns with the Hall of Fame’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport, but also significantly impacts well-managed recreational fisheries across the U.S. and Canada. By providing financial assistance to aspiring students, the HOF hopes to not only support educational pursuits but also to contribute to the business aspect of the sport. Grant proposals are due by May 1, 2025. Apply here.
