The Bass Federation Conservation Department is dedicated to the enhancement, restoration, preservation and public access to our resources through conservation awareness, education and political action utilizing best management practices.
Conservation is one of the three core principles that drive The Bass Federation. If you look at the two statements above, our Slogan and Our Conservation Mission Statement, they both describe exactly what the focus of this program is all about.
In almost all of our 47 state federations we are fortunate to have individuals that are highly educated and probably the most passionate members of the Federation. These are your State Conservation Directors! For many years now they have been working well behind the scenes to preserve your state resources for the continued enjoyment of everyone!
Join us in our continued efforts to “Save Our Fisheries Together”!!Conservation Grants
Project Submission Criteria
Projects must be submitted by a State Federation Conservation Director and endorsed by The State Federation President. If the position of Conservation Director is vacant, the President, or his/her designee, may submit the proposal. There is no limit to the number of projects that can be submitted. However, in order to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of funding, a state will normally only be eligible for one project each year (multi-year projects are exempt after the first year of selection). Any access or aquatic resource conservation or related project will be considered for funding.
In the Federation’s 30 plus year history of conservation work a number of things have shown themselves to be proven selection criteria for a successful conservation project. Those items, coupled with items of input from TBF leadership, our partners, state conservation directors and fishery professionals are contained in the list of selection criteria that will be used to award funding. Projects will be selected primarily based on their scores in the following categories:
- Potential for success and longevity of the project
- Potential to benefit to your community, conservation, recreational public and fisheries nationally
- Urgency (is there an immediate need)
- Cooperating partners and written endorsements. (State or federal agencies, resources professionals, foundations or other conservation organization, etc.)
- Potential for match funds
- Benefits to and for fisheries conservation
- Education / Media
- Outreach / Exposure / Signage
- In-Kind contributions
- Equipment and Manpower needs and concerns
Project Selection
TBF national office will review the submissions with the input of conservation professionals and industry partners and develop a score for individual proposal based on the above established criteria and using the enclosed score sheet. The top proposals will then be judged and ranked in order. Projects will be awarded funding based on the order of ranking given and until available funds are exhausted.
The winning projects and TBF Federation chapters, clubs or individuals will be announced at each year at the Federation National Championship. However, funds will be available after January 30th for immediate implementation.
Proposal Submittal
Proposals must be submitted to TBF National Office using the Conservation Project Grant Funding Proposal form by November 1st each year.
TBF Conservation Grant Funding Application
This document will serve as official submissions and criteria guidelines for selection, and accountability of proposed conservation projects from The Bass Federation, Inc affiliated chapters.
Accountability
For projects with durations of a year or less, a final Project report, including full financial disclosure, manpower hours and copies of any media coverage is due one year from fund disbursement. All other projects will require annual written progress reports, containing the same. (On the date of fund disbursement) and the final report upon completion. These reports are necessary in order to demonstrate to the contributing partners and TBF that the funds are being used appropriately and according to the selection criteria.
Timeline
Nov 1st – Projects submitted to TBF, Inc for review
Dec 15th – Top projects submitted to panel for ranking
Jan 30th – Final project selection
