AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grant

AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grant © AFTCO

The AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program was created to help provide funds to approved projects. Through current grassroots B.A.S.S. Nation organizations, our goal is to encourage youth-oriented conservation projects that benefit local fisheries.

Apply here

Each project must have an endorsement of the local fisheries management agency and work to accomplish goals of mutual benefit, and 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 AFTCO and B.A.S.S. (e.g., in terms of feasibility, accountability, and financial leverage).

Project focus should accomplish one or more of the goals below:

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

All submissions must be placed by March 31, 2023. Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from B.A.S.S. and AFTCO. Please direct any questions to Gene Gilliland at .

AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grant - photo © AFTCO

Previous Grant Recipients

Since 2018, AFTCO has awarded $95,000 in Conservation Grants to B.A.S.S Nation Clubs. In 2022, AFTCO provided $35,000 to 5 B.A.S.S Nation Clubs to complete conservation-minded projects in their home states. These 2022 projects are highlighted below, and the 2021 projects can be viewed here.

With the increased budget in 2022, AFTCO was able to assist with larger-scale projects than in previous years — boosting the probability that projects can be completed or receive more funding when needed, from other sources.

Learn all about the past projects here...