HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 9) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that it has awarded $196,832 in grant funding through its R3 Education Grant Program.
Through this program, the PFBC will support 16 education projects in 10 counties to promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in Pennsylvania through the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as "R3."
Last year, the PFBC awarded $203,527 in grant funding to support 19 education projects in 17 counties and 1 statewide effort.
“Some of the most important work we do is getting people to discover the joys of fishing and boating,” said Kim Garris, PFBC Director of Outreach, Education and Marketing. “With so many opportunities across the Commonwealth’s vast waterways, finding partners that believe in and want to carry out the work is essential. The financial support provided by these grants quite often makes the difference in someone getting the opportunity to catch their first fish, an experience that often sets off a new passion for life. The return on investment is invaluable.”
Recipients of the grant successfully applied for and demonstrated ways in which their new or expanded projects progress R3 initiatives and connect Pennsylvanians with Commonwealth waterways. Funds awarded through the grant program will be used to purchase equipment and educational resources, provide transportation, and cover other costs associated with the development and delivery of R3 education programs.
All projects funded for this round of grants must be completed by June 30, 2026.
The 2025 R3 Education Grants include (by county):
- Allegheny: Anglers Fishing Club of Pittsburgh, Anglers of Catfish
- Allegheny: Anglers Fishing Club of Pittsburgh, SMART Anglers Spring Sessions
- Allegheny: Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League, Safe Boating Program
- Allegheny: The New Sun Rising, Urban Family Fishing at Carnegie Lake
- Allegheny: Venture Outdoors, Inc., Reel in Your Future: Exploring Aquatic Careers in the Commonwealth
- Bucks: Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Expanding Opportunities and Building Community Through Angling and Kayaking Experiences
- Erie: Regional Science Consortium at Presque Isle, Introducing Students to Fly Fishing
- Fayette: Mountain Watershed Association Inc., Expanding Access to Outdoor Recreation in the Youghiogheny River Watershed
- Mercer: Mercer County Conservation District, Fishing Skills Workshop Series
- Montgomery: Let’s Go Outdoors LLC, Fishing in the Park: Classrooms to Communities
- Montgomery: Schuylkill River Greenway Association, Southeastern Pennsylvania Boating Education
- Montour: Hughesville Fly Fishing Booster Club, Fly Fishing Booster Club's Youth Fly Fishing Project
- Northumberland: Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Inc, Paddling Patriots
- Philadelphia: CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, Supporting Free Public Fishing & Boating Programs in EJ (Environmental Justice) Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia: Discovery Pathways, Free Family Fishing and Community Boating
- Tioga: This Is My Quest, Inc., AquaQuest
The next round of grants is expected to open for applications on September 15, 2025.