Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited
Forever Wild Mini Grant Program

Background

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) raises funds through various means, including the sale of merchandise (such as Back the Brookie license plates), its annual appeal, and donations from anglers, conservationists, and their friends and family to commemorate special occasions. To ensure that these funds are used to implement and further the mission of PATU, a grant fund has been established to support coldwater resource conservation and education projects and initiatives. Through this grant program, small grants of up to $ 2,500 are awarded to Trout Unlimited chapters in Pennsylvania to implement programs and projects that directly relate to the protection and restoration of Pennsylvania’s wild trout species, and to educate the community on the importance of coldwater resource conservation.

Purpose

Grants of up to $2500 will be awarded to eligible Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited chapters to assist with efforts to protect, conserve, restore, and sustain wild trout populations and/or to carry out education and outreach programs that increase the awareness of and support for coldwater conservation among a non-TU audience. Preference will be given to projects supporting native brook trout populations, but projects supporting other wild trout populations will be considered.

Eligible Projects

The following list provides examples of projects that are eligible for funding. Other projects may be considered. Please get in touch with PATU to inquire about your project proposal.

In-stream habitat improvements to benefit wild trout
Riparian buffer restoration along wild trout streams
Streambank stabilization of wild trout waters
Education, outreach, and training programs and materials focused on coldwater resource conservation, which are designed to educate the public, engage new members, and increase chapter capacity
Sampling equipment for specific stream monitoring and survey projects
Stream assessment or research projects

Additional Information

The Forever Wild program accepts applications on a year-round basis. Eligible projects will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted each fiscal year. Approximately $10,000-15,000 will be available annually.

Grant funds will be awarded via a check made out to the TU chapter and cannot be made out to any third-party contractor, consultant, or partner.
Proposed projects must be completed within one year from the date the award check is issued.
Chapters must complete a final report (See attachment A) upon completion of the grant, which includes a summary of the project and pictures suitable for publication in the PA Trout newsletter and on the PATU website and/or social media accounts.
Projects must serve to protect, conserve, restore, or sustain wild trout populations either through an on-the-ground implementation project or through increased awareness and understanding of threats to coldwater resources and opportunities for conservation.
- Proposals that address brook trout habitat will receive greater consideration by the review committee, but projects that address any wild trout habitat will be considered.
Partnerships are highly encouraged; however, chapter volunteers should play a significant role in the project.
To be eligible for funding, the chapter MUST regularly submit quarterly reports to the Council and must submit its Annual Financial Report (AFR) on time.
Matching funds (cash or in-kind) are encouraged but not required.

Ineligible Costs:

Grants cannot be used to:

Pay for non-TU salary or travel expenses.
Reimburse expenses for completed projects.

To Apply

To apply for a grant, please complete ALL the following steps:
Contact Eric Null, PATU Executive Director, to discuss the project and the need for funding.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 724-640-1022
Complete the following grant application.
Verify that the chapter meets each of the eligibility requirements listed.
For questions contact Eric Null at [email protected]