The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, a sponsor of Friends of Reservoirs, is dedicated to funding approved projects, especially those led by grassroots bass organizations, that empower youth to champion conservation efforts in local fisheries, and they are calling for grant applications now!

Eligible projects actively involve young enthusiasts, emphasizing resource stewardship and anglers' roles in conservation. Endorsed by local fisheries management agencies, these initiatives focus on habitat protection, invasive species management, tournament fish care, public access enhancement, pollution mitigation, and innovative conservation education. Grant applications due by April 15, 2026.

Qualified projects must directly involve youth in such a way as to teach the importance of resource stewardship and the leadership role that anglers play as conservationists. Each project must have an endorsement of the local fisheries management agency and work to accomplish goals of mutual benefit. The project must have an evaluation component to determine success. A project may be part of a larger project and working with partners is strongly encouraged. Having already obtained matching funds and/or donations of materials and/or in-kind services increase a project's value. The project must demonstrate a good investment for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (e.g. in terms of feasibility, accountability and financial leverage.)

The project focus should include 1 or more of the categories below:

• Make a significant contribution to protect or enhance natural or artificial fish habitat; or...
• Prevent, manage or eliminate aquatic invasive species via action or education/outreach; or...
• Demonstrate best-practices in tournament fish care to maximize survival of released fish; or....
• Protect or enhance angler or boater access to public waters; or...
• Address an acute or chronic aquatic resource pollution issue; or....
• Demonstrate a new or innovative approach to conservation education

Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. Please direct any questions to the BFHOF Conservation Committee Chairman Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com