Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC (Nov 30, 2012) – Today Outdoor Nation, a national initiative that reconnects millennials to the outdoors, and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a nonprofit whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, announced the latest round of Take Me Fishing™ Awards aimed at connecting Americans to their waterways through recreational fishing. Take Me Fishing Awards will total $25,000 and fund the ideas of young adults and nonprofit organizations.

“With help from RBFF, Outdoor Nation is providing the resources and funding needed to empower young outdoor leaders,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, the organization that started the Outdoor Nation movement. “Take Me Fishing Awards support pioneering projects and initiatives that increase fishing participation and promote overall outdoor recreation.”

Ten community-based, youth-led project ideas will be awarded up to $2,500 of seed funding along with technical support and guidance from The Outdoor Foundation. Winning projects will be determined through a competitive application and review process. To apply, visit http://www.outdoornation.org/grants and submit your proposal by December 7, 2012. Winners will be announced on January 6, 2013. 

“As a founding sponsor of Outdoor Nation, we see real value in empowering youth to lead the next generation of boaters and anglers,” said Frank Peterson, RBFF President and CEO. “Ninety percent of adult outdoor enthusiasts are introduced to nature-based activities between the ages of 5 and 18. The more involved youth are, the more likely they are to foster an appreciation for our natural world in generations to come.”

Outdoor Nation is committed to increasing and expanding youth participation in outdoor recreation thorough entertainment, education, engagement and action in order to cultivate a healthier, more active generation. During the past year, Outdoor Nation has awarded more than $250,000 to youth for projects that reconnect young people with nature. For more information about Outdoor Nation grants, visit outdoornation.org/grants.

Outdoor Nation is an initiative of The Outdoor Foundation and was founded with initial support from The North Face, RBFF, The REI Foundation, The Conservation Fund and the National Park Service.