Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grants

Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Grant Program Grant Notice: In response to feedback from grant program participants, DNR is revising the structure of the AR3 program to provide more timely access to grant funding for eligible grantees. To accommodate this transition, the DNR is not accepting new applications for the AR3 grant program at this time. Please check this page for updates. We expect to begin accepting applications under the new AR3 program structure by fall 2026. The Angler Reactivation (Angler R3) grant program provides financial assistance to partners who conduct Angler R3 programs and activities in Wisconsin. Funding is provided through the Dingell-Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act, a federal aid program. The goals of the Angler R3 grant program are to grow the numbers of anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling participation among adults, particularly from non-traditional audiences. To achieve these goals, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will award cost-sharing funds to community-based organizations, community centers, government agencies, Wisconsin and schools to ensure the education and development of safe and ethical adult anglers. Grant awards may be up to 75% share of total eligible project costs. ⚠ This grant will be administered as a reimbursement program. This means the award recipients must incur and pay costs associated with the project before seeking reimbursement from the DNR. Any project work started prior to the signed grant agreement is not reimbursable. The project must be complete before the end date of the signed grant agreement. Applicants must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number instead of a DUNS number to apply. A UEI number can be obtained by going to www.SAM.gov Who can apply Eligible Applicants Include: Wisconsin and cities; Wisconsin universities, colleges and technical schools; other Wisconsin governmental units, as defined in s. 66.299, Wis. Stats.; Wisconsin tribes; Wisconsin school districts; community-based food security and local foods organizations; and most, if not all, conservation organizations ( local rod and gun clubs, sporting organizations, local chapters, and national organizations). Eligible items Eligible Items Include: salaries, hourly wages, and fringe benefits for applicant employees; consultant services; purchased services – rental; other purchased office or project project's programming supplies, such as fishing background checks of mentors and equipment hourly equipment rental and other items to be specified in grant application such as bus or van rental to transport classes for fishing outings. Ineligible Items Include: costs incurred before the start date or after the end date of the grant agreement; cost of fishing licenses for mentors/instructors and participants; cost of routine fishing site maintenance including, but not limited to, mowing grass, painting signs and debris removal; costs for which payment have been or will be received under another federal funding source; fines and penalties due to violation of or failure to comply with local laws and regulations; applicant's ordinary operating expenses, such as salaries and expenses of public officials that are not directly related to the project; office furniture purchases; capital improvement projects; and fee simple or easement land acquisitions. fish stocking NOTE: this is not a complete list Deadlines Deadlines

In response to feedback from grant program participants, DNR is revising the structure of the AR3 program to provide more timely access to grant funding for eligible grantees. To accommodate this transition, the DNR is not accepting new applications for the AR3 grant program at this time. Please check this page for updates. We expect to begin accepting applications under the new AR3 program structure by fall 2026. The Angler Reactivation (Angler R3) grant program provides financial assistance to partners who conduct Angler R3 programs and activities in Wisconsin. Funding is provided through the Dingell-Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act, a federal aid program.