Go Fishing Fund 2024

Go Fishing Fund

A new Go Fishing Funding scheme of €250,000 is available from Inland Fisheries Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2024. The funding is aimed at introducing individuals who are socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged, as well as those with disabilities, to the recreational benefits of fishing. This initiative will also emphasise water safety, environmental stewardship, sensitive habitats and Biodiversity. It will also promote the protection of vulnerable river habitats and awareness of the threats posed to them by invasive species. 

This Go Fishing Funding Call Guidelines 2024 explores the funding available and provides general guidance for applicants and grantees under the scheme including the eligibility criteria and objectives. It also provides an overview of the key stages involved in the application process and the requirements when making an application to drawdown awards. 

Go Fishing Fund Objectives

The scheme objectives will support specific measures to improve fishing facilities, equipment, and events, while improving knowledge and learning opportunities in disadvantaged communities and assist the less abled. The measures will: 

• Allow the eligible participants a chance to experience and enjoy fishing.  
• Provide safety awareness through education and good practice, e.g., water safety, fish handling and outdoor awareness.  
• Encourage responsible and positive participation within the sport and the community e.g., align event to Leave No Trace.  
• Raise awareness for all applicants of the importance of biodiversity and the natural environment related to the countryside through fishing.  
• Promote environmental stewardship and responsibility amongst participants, and the need to protect vulnerable habitats together with an awareness of appropriate action on the prevention of the spread of invasive species. 

Funding Available

A total allocation of €250,000 is available from the Dormant Accounts Fund to the Go Fishing Fund in 2024. The maximum grant award for each applicant organisation is €5,000 and the minimum grant award is set at €2,000 and only one application is allowed per organisation. The grant management portal is open for registration and the application process will be available from the 05th of September 2024 until the 07th of November 2024.  

Eligibility

Applications for funding are requested from not-for-profit groups/organisations or registered charities who are engaged in delivering services to disadvantaged or disabled communities/persons in the Republic of Ireland. Such groups may collaborate with other organisations, such as educational institutions, angling clubs or federations, for the purpose of delivering the fishing or educational activities. However, all expenditure in respect of the project must be incurred and paid for by the applicant organisation as the beneficiary of the grant. The agreed grant award must be drawn down before the 24th of October 2025.