Apply for ASA’s New R3 Grant Program

Fuel growth. Strengthen your business.
Build the future of fishing.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is inviting ASA Members to apply for a new opportunity designed to help grow participation in recreational fishing — and strengthen your connection to the angling community.

ASA’s R3 $100,000 Grant Program, administered through the FishAmerica Foundation, will provide grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support member-led Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) initiatives, with a special focus on keeping anglers engaged and active.

Why It Matters

According to the most recent data, the sportfishing industry lost 16.6 million anglers in 2024 — a loss valued at $41.4 billion to the U.S. economy. This program is your chance to help reverse that trend while strengthening your brand, community impact, and customer relationships.

Funded Projects Will…

  • Build and strengthen the sportfishing community
  • Grow retailer engagement and customer loyalty
  • Create new revenue opportunities through participation-driven programs

Benefits for Participants

  • Exclusive funding opportunity available only to ASA members
  • Direct support for initiatives that drive sales and engagement
  • Visibility for your program — top projects will be showcased at ICAST and promoted industry-wide
  • Access to industry data and best practices from successful R3 programs

How It Works

  • Application period opens November 3, 2025 and closes January 6, 2026
  • Awards will be announced early in 2026
  • Applicants must apply online and finalists will go through an interview process
  • Projects will be evaluated on impact, scalability, and replicability

This grant program not only addresses one of the sportfishing industry’s biggest challenges — declining participation — but also provides a valuable new ASA member benefit that can help you grow your business while growing the sportfishing community.

GRANT GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS

The purpose of the R3 Grant Program is to support ASA member retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers in implementing programs in partnership with local community organizations and conservation agencies to recruit, retain and/or reactivate anglers, thereby promoting the sport of fishing. Preference will be given to programs that emphasize retention.

Program Objectives

  • Recruitment: Attract new anglers to the sport.
  • Retention: Keep existing anglers engaged and active, thereby developing long-term customers for our industry. Preference will be given to programs that emphasize retention.
  • Reactivation: Encourage former anglers to return to fishing.

GRANT AMOUNTS: From $500 to $10,000.

Only ASA members are eligible to apply. Local community organizations or state and federal conservation agencies may partner with the ASA applicant. All projects must incorporate a retailer actively involved in the project.

  1. Application Form: Complete an online application, including ASA member verification.
  2. Additional Documentation: Submit your W-9 if selected for grant funding. Non-profits will also be required to submit an IRS letter of Determination
  3. Project Proposal: Complete a proposal containing the requirements below.
  4. Application Deadline: Submit your application by January 6, 2026.

  • Executive Summary: Brief overview of the project.
  • Goals and Objectives: Specific, measurable goals for recruitment, retention and/or reactivation.
  • Target Audience: Description of the target demographic.
  • Activities and Strategies: Detailed plan of activities and strategies to achieve the objectives.
  • Evaluation Plan: Methods for assessing the success of the program.
  • Budget Breakdown:
    • Itemized Budget: Detailed breakdown of how the grant will be spent, including matching funds, equipment and/or labor. (Will need to provide receipts.)
    • Justification: Explanation of how each expense supports the program objectives.
  • Timeline
    • Project Start Date: Proposed start date.
    • Milestones: Key milestones and deadlines.
    • Completion Date: Expected completion date.

  • Progress Reports: An update, using a provided template, will be required midway through the project.
  • Final Report: A comprehensive report, including outcomes and lessons learned, using a provided template, will be due upon project completion.
QUESTIONS?

For questions about the program and application process, contact ASA’s FishAmerica grant coordinator:

Andrew Loftus
aloftus@andrewloftus.com

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: November 3, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 6, 2026