HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced that the 2024 application period for its popular R3 Education Grant Program (R3 Grant) will be earlier than in previous years. Under this change, which will allow for additional processing time and improve customer service, applications for the R3 Grant will be accepted beginning on January 16, 2024, and ending on March 1, 2024. Previously, applications for this program were accepted beginning in mid-March.
The R3 Grant was established to support partner organizations by providing hands-on education for the recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of anglers and boaters in Pennsylvania.
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. Last year, the PFBC awarded $187,625 in R3 Grant funding to support 15 education projects in 11 counties and two statewide projects. 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, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The grant requires a minimum 25% match of total project costs. At this time, applications for multi-year grants are not being accepted.
More information about the R3 Grant can be found on the PFBC website (fishandboat.com). An additional announcement will be made when the 2024 application period opens on January 16, 2024.
