March 18, 2020
2020 AFTCO B.A.S.S. Nation Grant Proposals Now Being Accepted
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Grant proposals are now being accepted for the AFTCO B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant program. The program was announced at the recent B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit held during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk in Birmingham, Ala. Grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded for conservation-related projects from B.A.S.S. Nation states, clubs, high school or college teams.
A long-time fixture in the saltwater world, AFTCO is now making a splash in the freshwater market with innovative and functional fishing apparel. One thing that has not changed is AFTCO’s commitment to conservation and the company’s pledge to donate 10% of their profits each year to conservation initiatives.
To qualify for a grant, projects must directly involve youth to teach the importance of resource stewardship and the leadership role that anglers play as conservationists; have the endorsement of the local fisheries management agency and work to accomplish goals of mutual benefit; and have an evaluation component to determine success.
Proposals should demonstrate that the projects will focus on protecting or enhancing habitat, addressing aquatic pollution, aquatic invasive species, tournament fish care, access to public waters or conservation education. A project may be part of a larger project, and working with partners is strongly encouraged.
Grant proposals are being accepted until June 1, 2020. All questions about the program or application process should be directed to B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and The Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, new Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.