Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Education Grant Program

The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Education Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, a state agency responsible for managing and protecting aquatic resources and promoting fishing and boating across Pennsylvania. The program is designed to support partner organizations that provide educational programming aimed at increasing participation in fishing and boating activities. By investing in hands-on learning opportunities, the Commission seeks to build skills, confidence, and long-term engagement among new, returning, and existing participants. The program emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds can benefit from these outdoor recreational activities. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund projects that facilitate education and outreach efforts aligned with recruitment, retention, and reactivation goals. Funding is focused largely on the acquisition of fishing and boating equipment and the delivery of educational programming. Eligible activities include instructional sessions covering introductory fishing techniques, species-specific fishing skills, fly fishing, kayak fishing, and paddlesports. The program prioritizes projects that provide multiple hands-on experiences, target underrepresented populations, occur in accessible public locations, and encourage participation through integration with other recreational or social activities. The grant operates as a reimbursement-based funding opportunity, meaning that recipients must complete project activities and submit documentation before receiving funds. Awards are available up to 25000 dollars per project, and applicants must provide a minimum 25 percent match of the total project cost. Matching contributions may include cash, in-kind donations, volunteer time, or other funding sources, provided they meet program guidelines. The grant explicitly prohibits advance payments, and all expenditures must be verified and documented. Personnel costs are allowable but may not exceed 50 percent of the awarded grant funds. Eligibility is limited to a defined set of organization types, including school districts, colleges and universities, community and civic organizations, sporting and conservation groups, and local recreation departments. State government agencies are not eligible. Applicants must also be registered in the Pennsylvania Supplier Portal and obtain a valid vendor number before funding can be disbursed. Organizations that have previously received funding must demonstrate how new funding will expand or innovate their programs rather than replicate past efforts. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal via email, including organizational information, project overview, detailed budget, and narrative responses describing program design, target audience, learning objectives, and evaluation methods. Applicants must also outline a project timeline, identify staff and volunteers involved, and describe sustainability plans beyond the grant period. Incomplete applications are considered ineligible. The review process considers alignment with program priorities, cost effectiveness, and the ability to deliver impactful educational experiences. The timeline for the grant cycle begins with the application period opening on September 15, followed by a submission deadline of December 1. Award announcements are expected in March, with project implementation beginning around July 1 pending final approval. Projects must be completed by June 30 of the following year, with interim and final reporting requirements due in January and July respectively. This structured timeline ensures accountability and provides a clear framework for project execution and evaluation. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing via email. The program reflects the Commission’s broader mission to expand participation in fishing and boating while fostering stewardship of aquatic resources through education and community engagement.

Prioritize hands-on programming, underserved audiences, and accessible low-cost participation; minimize reliance on staff reimbursement