Grant Funding Available For Phys-Ed Fishing Programs - Grant Funding Available For Phys-Ed Fishing Programsby Mary Jane Williamson March 6, 2006, Alexandria, VA�The Future Fi

March 6, 2006, Alexandria, VA�The Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) has $200,000 available in grant funding for physical education teachers who incorporate fishing and boating education into their curricula, offering up to $5,000 individual 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. Since its inception in 2003, the National Fishing and Boating Education Grants Initiative has supported 111 schools in 37 states with $515,000 in grants. The program was developed through a partnership between the F3, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), and National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

"We’ve had wonderful success in exposing and engaging children all across the country to fishing and boating," said Michael Bolinder, executive director of the Future Fisherman Foundation. "The interest in this program by teachers has been phenomenal. We’re fortunate that this partnership allows us to continually introduce fishing and boating in schools throughout the nation."

In addition to grants, sponsoring organizations bring 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.

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

The partnership also provides training, access to discounted fishing gear and equipment, and ongoing guidance from experts. A training workshop for grant recipients provides instruction on angling and boating skills, safety, and ethics; basic equipment set-up and maintenance; fish and their habitat needs; taking part in community conservation efforts; developing partnerships for access to fishing and boating sites; and recruiting long-term mentors for children.

Applications must be received at the foundation office on or before Friday April 14, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. All applicants will be notified in mid-May on the status of their grant proposals. The training workshop for grant recipients will be held in mid-July to help prepare teachers for the upcoming school year. Partners can also link teachers with state outdoor education professionals and community groups with tried-and-true fishing and boating education programs to help in the application process and ensure program success. The foundation staff is also available to provide technical assistance to complete the grant application.

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.