HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission opened applications Wednesday for grants of up to $25,000 to fund fishing and boating education projects in 2027-28, extending a program that awarded nearly $200,000 to organizations in its most recent funding round.
Applications for the commission’s R3 Grant program will be accepted through Dec. 1. The grants support efforts to recruit new fishing and boating participants, retain existing participants and reactivate people who previously participated.
Qualifying organizations can receive reimbursement of up to $25,000 for eligible expenses on projects expected to run from approximately July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.
Recipients must provide a minimum match equal to 25% of total project costs. The commission is not accepting applications for multiyear grants in this funding round.
The program is aimed at education projects that expand fishing and boating knowledge, develop participant skills and make activities more accessible to new and returning participants.
“R3 Grants are an outstanding opportunity for organizations to partner in our mission to get everyone to enjoy Pennsylvania’s waterways,” Walt Dietz, the commission’s aquatic resources education manager, said.
In the most recent round awarded in 2026, the commission distributed $197,446 among 16 education projects spanning 13 counties and one statewide initiative.
Applications and additional information are available at Fishandboat.com.
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