Fishing Is For Everyone

Submissions accepted from September 17, 2026 12:00pm to October 2, 2026 9:00pm

This application is available via invitation only. If you are not sure if you have been invited to apply, please contact Manja Holland-Smith ([email protected])

Please see supplemental documentation below. A budget template has been provided to be filled out and attached to your submission. An application guidance document is available to assist with the completion of the online application. To preserve application progress, click save at the bottom of the form. You can return to your application by logging in with your system credentials. 

The Fishing Is For Everyone (FIFE) Program, a program of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, is supporting community-based projects that reduce barriers to recreational fishing and increase participation among Michigan Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents who have traditionally had limited access to angling opportunities. Projects should recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers while fostering stewardship of Michigan's fisheries and aquatic resources. Applications due: September 28, 2026.

This program is guided by four core principles that will be considered during proposal review:

• Community-Focused - Projects address locally identified needs and engage communities experiencing barriers to recreational fishing.

• Intentional - Projects have clear goals, measurable outcomes, and strategies to recruit, retain, or reactivate anglers.

• Inclusive - Projects intentionally engage underrepresented and underserved populations while reducing barriers to participation.

• Collaborative - Projects demonstrate meaningful partnerships that strengthen project implementation and community impact.

Typical mini-grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 and grants will run from December 2026-December 2027.

 

Before submitting an application, please review the following program requirements:

• The proposed project must support the goals of the Fishing Is For Everyone Program by increasing participation in recreational fishing and reducing barriers to angling.

• The project should demonstrate how it will recruit, retain, or reactivate anglers through education, mentorship, access to fishing opportunities, equipment, or other innovative approaches.

• Projects should include specific, measurable objectives and clearly defined outcomes.

• Projects should promote responsible recreational fishing, stewardship of Michigan's aquatic resources, and long-term participation in fishing.

• Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with community organizations, schools, parks and recreation departments, conservation organizations, fishing clubs, Tribal governments, local governments, or other partners.

• Letters of support (maximum of two) documenting project partnerships are encouraged.

• Applicants should describe how the project will continue to benefit the community after grant funding has ended.

• Grantees must be a registered 501c3 organization or must demonstrate that another 501c3 organization has agreed to serve as the fiscal agent for the grant.

Grant recipients must submit a final report summarizing activities, outcomes, impacts, and expenditures. Grant reports will be due in January, 2028. Please anticipate including pictures and relevant materials from events with this report. Contact Manja Holland-Smith ([email protected]) with any questions.

Attachments

Application Guidance Document	View - FIFE_Grant_Application_2026.pdf
Budget Worksheet	View - detailed_budget_worksheet.xlsx