Forever Wild Mini Grant Program

Program Status: Open, ongoing

Funding Available: Approximately $10,000-$15,000 annually

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania (eligible chapters only)

Purpose

Grants are awarded to eligible Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited chapters to:

• Assist with efforts to protect, conserve, restore, and sustain wild trout populations
• Carry out education and outreach programs that increase awareness of and support for coldwater conservation
• Support projects addressing native brook trout populations (preference given)
• Support other wild trout population projects (also considered)

Award Amount

• Maximum: $2,500 per grant

Eligible Applicants

• Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited chapters only
• Must regularly submit quarterly reports to PATU
• Must submit Annual Financial Report (AFR) on time

Eligible Projects

• 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 focused on coldwater resource conservation
• Sampling equipment for stream monitoring and survey projects
• Stream assessment or research projects
• Other projects (contact PATU for approval)

Funding Source

• Proceeds from "Back the Brookie" license plate sales
• Annual appeal
• Donations from anglers, conservationists, and friends/family

Match Requirements

• Matching funds (cash or in-kind) are encouraged but not required

Award Administration

• Funds awarded via check made out to the TU chapter only
• Cannot be made out to third-party contractors, consultants, or partners
• Projects must be completed within one year from date award check is issued

Ineligible Costs

• Non-TU salary or travel expenses
• Reimbursement for already-completed projects

Reporting Requirements

• Final report required upon project completion
• Report must include project summary and photos suitable for publication in PA Trout newsletter, website, and/or social media

Funding Preferences

• Projects addressing brook trout habitat receive greater consideration
• All wild trout habitat projects will be considered
• Partnerships highly encouraged; chapter volunteers should play significant role

Contact Information

PATU Executive Director: Eric Null

• Phone: 724-640-1022
• Email: [email protected]

Application Process

1. Pre-Application Contact
   • Contact Eric Null, PATU Executive Director, to discuss the project and funding need
   • Phone: 724-640-1022
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Verify Eligibility
   • Confirm chapter meets all eligibility requirements:
   • Chapter is actively registered TU chapter in Pennsylvania
   • Chapter regularly submits quarterly reports to PATU
   • Chapter has submitted Annual Financial Report (AFR) on time
3. Complete Application Form
   • Complete the Forever Wild Grant Application (provided on website)
   • Required fields:
   • Chapter Name
   • Project Coordinator name and contact information
   • Chapter Address
   • Coordinator Phone
   • Coordinator Email
   • Project description and details
4. Submit Application
   • Application accepted on rolling basis
   • Funding awarded first-come, first-served until funds depleted
   • No specific deadline; year-round submissions accepted

Application Materials Needed

• Completed Forever Wild Grant Application form
• Project description
• Budget information
• Evidence of chapter eligibility (quarterly reports, AFR status)
• Any supporting materials demonstrating project need

Review Criteria

• Alignment with PATU mission (protection, conservation, restoration, sustaining wild trout)
• Priority given to brook trout habitat projects
• Consideration of other wild trout habitat projects
• Demonstrated chapter involvement and partnership approach
• Community impact and conservation value