The NOAA/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Marine Debris Research and Technology Grants Program is open to non-federal partners, including institutions of higher education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, and state (including Commissions), local, and tribal governments whose projects have the potential to benefit NOAA trust resources through marine debris research and prevention projects. The 2008 program is now open for pre-proposal applications.  Pre-proposals are due May 5, 2008.  The RFP and more information can be found by clicking here.

Community-based Habitat Restoration Grants are available annually through NOAA’s Restoration Center. The principal objective of the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) is to provide federal financial and technical assistance to grass-roots, community-based activities that restore living marine and coastal resources and their habitats and promote stewardship and a conservation ethic for NOAA trust resources. Non-Federal entities are eligible. Typical awards range from $30,000 – $200,000.

American Sportfishing Association (ASA)
ASA’s FishAmerica Foundation has an annual grant program through a partnership with NOAA’s Restoration Center that funds community-based non-profit organizations, such as local sporting clubs and conservation associations, as well as state and local agencies. Projects “must result in on-the-ground habitat restoration, demonstrate significant benefits to marine fisheries resources, particularly sportfish, and must involve an educational or volunteer component.” In 2006, they awarded $800,000 in grants, no more than $50,000 per project.  Go to http://www.fishamerica.org/grants/ to learn more about the foundation. Contact Johanna Laderman at 703-519-9691 x.245.

ASA’s other nonprofit foundation, the Future Fisherman Foundation, as the name suggests, works with organizations to help provide fishing opportunities to children.  The main program is Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs , an education program practiced in 30 states and territories.  It includes a school curriculum that can be adapted to fit any state. It teaches children how to fish, promotes conservation and provides long-term mentoring with fishers in their local community.  Teachers are also given access to supporting materials and brand name beginner fishing equipment at large discounts.  If you are interested in getting involved with this program, visit www.future fisherman.org/programs/hofnod.php . Contact Laura Jerome at 703-519-9691 x.254.

Norcross Wildlife Fund
Norcross has made “small grassroots organizations, with limited staff and ability to raise funds” their target constituency for grants primarily targeting land protection, program-related office and field equipment and public education materials. Grant requests must be for less than $10,000 (grants usually average less than $5K) and are accepted year-round.  They are usually granted for small equipment costs (think servers, pcs and printers) but can also be used to print and publish outreach brochures or presentations. The best part is that the turnaround is fast and you don’t have to wait for an annual grant cycle. Visit http:// www. norcrossws.org/Foundation%20Infor/Foundmain.html to view previously funded projects and find out how you can apply.

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
RBFF offers marketing materials for fishing events and projects through their Take Me Fishing campaign. RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby increase public awareness and appreciation for the conservation of our nation's aquatic natural resources. Their web site, www.takemefishing .org is a virtual clearinghouse of information for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.  You can list your boating or fishing business, service or event for free (there are a few Hawaii listings).

BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water
The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 670,000 members of BoatU.S. The Foundation operates more than a dozen programs including an accredited, free, online general boating safety course, a low-cost EPIRB rental program, the "Help Stop the Drops" national clean fueling campaign, a free kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program, and has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for nonprofit groups for boating safety and environmental projects.  Each year, the BoatU.S. Foundation awards local nonprofit volunteer organizations up to $4,000 for the promotion of clean boating education.