Wisconsin Offers R3 Angler Grants

Does your organization want to increase anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling from non-traditional audiences? Consider applying for the Angler Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) grant through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The Angler R3 Grant provides cost-sharing funds to community-based organizations, community centers, government agencies, Wisconsin tribes, colleges, universities and schools to ensure the education and development of safe and ethical adult anglers.

Grant Details

• The deadline to apply is Feb. 18, 2025.
• A total of $30,000 is available for projects.
• Individual grant awards are limited to $5,000.
• Applicants are required to provide 25% matching funds for their project, either in cash or in-kind.
• This grant program is administered as a reimbursement program. This means you must incur and pay all costs associated with the project before seeking reimbursement from the DNR. No grant advances are available.
• This grant is supported by the federal Sport Fish Restoration Fund, which is generated by an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel.

Past recipients have used this grant to support in-depth angler education programs at schools, fly fishing classes for women and veterans, training for people promoting accessible fishing and to expand fishing programs at camps for children. Community and recreation centers also are good fits for these programs.

Programs for adults who never learned how to fish as well as youth programs that go beyond one-day events will also be considered.

Grant cycles are for two years, and funding will become available to the recipient once a grant agreement is signed by all parties, approximately one year after the application is submitted.

More information about applying, eligible items and resources can be found on the DNR’s Angler R3 Grant Program webpage. Have an idea? Call us.

Please direct questions to Theresa Stabo, DNR Angler Outreach Program Specialist at Theresa.Stabo@wisconsin.gov or 608-577-6332.