Vamos A Pescar Grants

Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! Program in partnership with Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF)

Program Status: Active as of November 2021

Geographic Scope: Iowa, with focus on high-density Hispanic communities (Des Moines Metro, Cedar Falls, Perry, and Marshalltown have received funding)

Focus Areas:

• Education and engagement of families in high-density Hispanic communities
• Urban fishing programs, classes, and fishing activities
• Overcoming barriers to participation in fishing
• Building support networks within Hispanic communities

Background:
Fishing participation among the Hispanic population lags behind other groups nationally (9% vs. 18% overall US participation). The program aims to provide urban fishing opportunities and reach underrepresented demographic groups. Partnership involves DNR, city park and recreation departments, county conservation boards, Iowa State University Extension, various nonprofits, and community members.

Additional Information:
George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund: https://www.takemefishing.org/educationfund/

Application Process

Submission:

• Contact Barb Gigar at [email protected] for grant guidelines and applications
• Applications accepted for the 2022 programming season (deadline was December 8, 2021)

Note: Current deadline information for subsequent years not provided in available materials.