HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 16) -- The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is once again seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that 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."
The grant application period is open beginning today, September 16, 2026, through December 1, 2026. The application and additional information can be found on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
“R3 Grants are an outstanding opportunity for organizations to partner in our mission to get everyone to enjoy Pennsylvania’s waterways,” said Walt Dietz, PFBC Aquatic Resources Education Manager. “We value the innovation and inspiration that our applicants bring to reach new audiences for angling and boating.”
Accessible and inclusive learning opportunities increase fishing and boating knowledge, build confidence in skills, facilitate social support, and empower participants to enjoy the waters in their communities.
During the most recent round of grants awarded in 2026, the PFBC provided $197,446 in R3 Grant funding to support 16 education projects in 13 counties and one statewide effort. Recipients of the grant successfully demonstrated ways in which their new or expanded projects progress R3 initiatives and connect Pennsylvanians with state waterways.
The R3 Grant will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for projects conducted from approximately July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. The grant requires a minimum 25% match of total project costs. At this time, applications for multi-year grants are not being accepted.