As part of its mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s (BFHOF) Board of Directors is again providing financial support to numerous conservation projects that will benefit grassroots efforts to improve recreational fishing.
“Thanks to our substantial fundraising success this year, we are prepared to offer nearly $20,000 in additional donations beyond our traditional conservation grants,” said BFHOF conservation committee chair Gene Gilliland, adding “We realized that there are a host of projects that don’t fit into the traditional bass club/agency partnership model.”
The Pennsylvania Wildlife Leadership Academy’s PA BASS summer camp was chosen by BFHOF as a grant recipient for continuing to spark passion for fisheries biology while instilling a sense of stewardship in the next generation of conservation leaders. PA BASS specifically focuses on teaching teens about bass ecology and warm water conservation.
Also receiving a BFHOF grant this cycle was Heroes on the Water, an organization that provides free outdoor programs for U.S. active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders and their families. BFHOF awarded funds to bolster the Heroes on the Water kayak bass fishing programs.
The hall is supporting the American Fisheries Society Southern Division Reservoir Committee Jenkins Scholarship Endowment. The Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to graduate students conducting reservoir-related fisheries research who show exceptional progress in their research, education, and professional endeavors. This is a 5-year commitment that will benefit both bass fishing and other freshwater fishing opportunities.
Friends of Reservoirs, an organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing fish habitat in reservoir systems, was also awarded funds for their Small Grants program that support smaller-scale habitat projects that bass clubs or friends groups can accomplish in a single season.
“These groups have been selected for their foresight and commitment to improving the sport with boots-on-the-ground sweat equity,” added Gilliland, noting that BFHOF donations in 2025 were made possible by the Hall’s partnership with the Costa Compete + Conserve program.
Over the past 6 years, the BFHOF has provided grants totaling over $127,000 to local bass fishing clubs and other organizations working with state fishery management agencies for various conservation projects. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will issue a request for proposals for 2026 Conservation Grants sometime in January, while also soliciting nominations for inductees into the Hall of Fame itself.
For more information go to BassFishingHOF.com
