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Grants Available For Phys Ed Fishing Programs
by Mary Jane Williamson

November 9, 2004—The Future Fisherman Foundation has $200,000 available to physical education teachers throughout the United States who incorporate fishing and boating education into their curricula, offering up to $5,000 grants to help foster active leisure lifestyles and ethical attitudes about the outdoors.

Grant monies can be used for fishing and boating equipment, field trips, curriculum materials, and other resources to assist instructors in carrying out fishing and boating education. In 2004, the National Fishing and Boating Education Grants Initiative supported 43 schools in 22 states with $200,000 in grants. The program was developed through a partnership between the Future Fisherman Foundation, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, American Association for Leisure and Recreation, and National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

“The program is very successful in engaging children all across the country to fishing and boating,” said Anne Glick, executive director of the Future Fisherman Foundation. “Some teachers have been waiting years for an opportunity like this to come along. We’re fortunate to have this partnership to keep spreading fishing and boating through schools.”

“Using fishing and boating to meet PE lifetime skills mandates is a real natural,” said Bruce Matthews, president of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. “Fishing and boating are great American traditions that connect families for a lifetime.”

In addition to grants, sponsoring organizations provide access to a nationwide network of outdoor educators, conservation groups and youth organizations that offer a variety of versatile fishing and boating education programs that can be tailored for teachers’ specific interests and needs. The partnership provides training, access to discounted fishing gear and equipment, and ongoing guidance from experts.

Grant application forms are available on the Future Fisherman Foundation Website, or by contacting Grants Coordinator Jeff Bloem, 703.519.9691 x247. Applications must be received by the foundation office by March 4, 2005. All applicants will be notified in early April on the status of their grant proposals. A training workshop for those receiving grants will be held in late July.

Information about fishing programs and resources, including discount and tackle loaner programs, is available through the Future Fisherman Foundation. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation provides information on where to fish and boat, how to get started, how to obtain a fishing license, and local fishing and boating regulations on its Website, www.WaterWorksWonders.org.

The Future Fisherman Foundation is the fishing recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing Association, the sportfishing industry’s trade association. The Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry with a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups, and youth organizations, offering a variety of fishing and boating programs, equipment, and services to community groups and schools across the country. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics.

 

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