Small Grants Program

Objective of the Small Grants Program

To provide funding of up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) for small recreational fishing projects which benefit public recreational fishing in Victoria. Allansford Angling Club received $2,653 to install safety rails on the West Jetty at Jubilee Park, Warrnambool

Since its inception in March 2010, the Small Grants Program has funded in excess of 400 projects worth more than $1 million.

Some successful small grants include:

What can the Small Grants Program fund?

At the discretion of the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Advisory Committee, the Small Grants Program will provide funding under the following categories:

Recreational fishing access and infrastructure

Examples of what can be funded:

installation of solar lighting above fishing platforms
fish cleaning tables
directional, educational and information signage
fence-stiles, gates, access paths, stairs and/or walkways to improve access to public fishing locations
pontoons or jetties

*Projects providing all abilities access are encouraged where appropriate.

Community fishing events

Funding is available for events or programs that:

promote responsible recreational fishing practices
improve angling skills and knowledge amongst participants
seek to increase participation in recreational fishing
support National Gone Fishing Day.
support the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network (WIRFAB) - for more information email belinda.yim@vfa.vic.gov.au. Note: If you would like us to promote your event to the WIRFAB community to encourage more women to come along, feel free to provide us with details of your event to belinda.yim@vfa.vic.gov.au

As a guide, events could include:

a workshop or training session on aspects of recreational fishing such as knot- or fly-tying, rig-setting, bait collection and application, fish catch and release techniques,
'Come and try' fishing days, Fish-a-thons, or club promotion days
displays at shows and expos

*Funding for guest speakers at events may be considered

Education projects

Funding is available for education projects that:

promote responsible and sustainable recreational fishing practice

As a guide, education projects could include:

the preparation of educational material such as brochures, reports, digital and social media, DVDs, radio programs

The Small Grants Program is unable to fund:

Natural persons;
The purchase of equipment for a group's exclusive use, competitions, prizes, give-aways, or alcohol for any events;
General operating or travel costs not directly associated with a project/event;
The stocking of fish (including the purchase, transportation and/or the release of fish for an event);
Projects assessed as having little value or no benefit to public recreational fishing in Victoria

Steps to apply for a Small Grant

Step 1: Read the information on this page.

Step 2: Make yourself familiar with the Small Grants Program Guidelines and Conditions (WORD - 1.5 MB)

Step 3: Complete the small grant online application form

For further information contact:

The Secretariat
Recreational Fishing Grants Program
PO Box 4509
Melbourne
Victoria 3001

Tel. (03) 8392 6872 or email rec.fishinggrants@vfa.vic.gov.au