On March 12, the Fish and Boat Commission announced it is now accepting applications for grants to support the development and delivery of education programs that contribute to the Commission's efforts to increase the number of anglers and boaters in Pennsylvania. 

The deadline for applications is April 12.

Recruiting new participants, retaining existing participants, and reactivating former participants is known as R3.

Education programs play a role in R3 by providing experiences that increase knowledge and skills, facilitate social support, and provide information on angling and boating opportunities close to home. 

The PFBC engages in R3 efforts to increase the diversity of Pennsylvania's angler and boater population and ensure constituents receive the training, lessons, community support, and local waterbody knowledge they may need to continue enjoying Pennsylvania's beautiful fisheries and natural resources year after year.

The Commission established the R3 Grant Program to help partnering organizations start new R3 education programs or expand their existing efforts. 

Supporting partners in their efforts to deliver such programming significantly increases the number of learning opportunities provided to current, past, and future anglers and boaters.

Last year the PFBC awarded $160,000 in R3 grants to support 14 education projects in 10 counties, including four statewide efforts.

The R3 grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible program expenses for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.  The grants require a minimum of 25% cash or in-kind match of staff time and/or other project expenses. 

Requests for amounts greater than $25,000 may be considered, and inquiries should be submitted by email to: ra-be@pa.gov.  At this time, applications for multi-year grants are not being accepted. 

For more information, visit the PFBC’s Education Grant Program webpage.

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[Posted: March 13, 2021]

3/15/2021