IFI Sponsorship Programme

The IFI Sponsorship Programme aims to increase awareness of IFI, its work, recreational angling in Ireland and the inland fisheries resource. IFI may support events on the basis of:

• Location and nature of the Event;
• Potential of the Event to introduce new users to angling in an active capacity, i.e., not just as spectators;
• Education/Increased awareness/Empowerment of stakeholders in the areas of recreational angling/environmental/commercial fisheries/habitat issues/increasing tourism offering;
• Development of non-established Events; Support of established events
• Increased participation in National & International Events for juvenile/female/anglers of disability.
• Distribution of sponsorship across all angling disciplines and all River Basin Districts in equal proportions where possible;
• Promotion of equal opportunities events.
• Promotion of Events that can draw large numbers/repeat visits of angling participants to rural areas

Children and Vulnerable Adults

Event organisers should follow the Children First National Guidance 2017 on working with children. You will find this at the link below. As per the Children First Act 2015 and the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 all event organisers and those assisting in the event must be Garda Vetted. https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Children_First_National_Guidance_2017.pdf

Forms of Support Available

Financial support subject to maximum limits set out above and available budget. 
Staff, equipment loan and location supports are subject to availability.

IFI will not financially support:

• The provision of hospitality, where the hospitality is the central or core aspect to the support sought from IFI;
• Events where the primary function of the Event is fund-raising;
• Prize money.

• Read the terms and conditions as outlined below.
• Read and accept the Privacy Notice which outlines the categories of personal data collected and processed by IFI in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Once you click ‘Accept’ on the Privacy Notice you can register as an applicant, after which you will receive and email which identifies your username and password 
  
  If you have previously applied for IFI funding you can log in using your existing credentials by clicking this link
   
•  Then follow the steps to complete the online Application form (this form can be saved for completion in more than one sitting)
• Following receipt of your application form you may be asked for further documentation (e.g., consent forms for photography of u18s, insurance forms, tax clearance certificates) 

Sponsorship Application Form

The Application Form is designed to ensure that IFI has the necessary information to evaluate the application. The Privacy Notice outlines the categories of personal data collected and processed by IFI for the purposes of evaluating and processing your application.

Submission Deadline

All applicants for financial support must complete and submit the online Sponsorship Application between December 15th, 2023, and January 19th, 2024. Applications will not be assessed until AFTER the submission closing dates. Applications for non-financial support can be submitted at any time.

Late or incomplete application forms will not be assessed. It is the responsibility of the person/organisation seeking support to ensure the application is received in time to meet the deadline. There is no automatic entitlement to support from IFI. IFI’s decision is final.

Freedom of Information

IFI is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 to 2014 and therefore has to consider any request made to it under both of these statutory laws.
If you consider that any part of your application would be subject to any of the statutory exclusions under that Act please so indicate in your application, specifying under which exemption you believe the content should be excluded.

Health and Safety

The Event Organisers must adhere to all the relevant Health and Safety Legislation and carry out all necessary risk assessments, checks and procedures to safeguard the Event participants and spectators. If required, Covid 19 mitigation measures must be in place as advised by the HSE and Government guidelines must be adhered to.

In IFI sponsored Events on inland waterways where participation or administration/stewarding activities require participants to go afloat on board a boat, float tube, kayak or other type of vessel, a lifejacket must be worn by all individuals involved in these activities. For sea angling Events, life Jackets must be worn by all participants, stewards and organisers where required by law. Organisers are asked to postpone those Events where weather conditions forecast, particularly wind (Beaufort 6/Strong Breeze and above), are not conducive to safe angling or where Met Eireann issue weather warnings; otherwise, they may forego any awards granted. 

Change of Dates

In awarding sponsorship support, IFI may require event organisers to change the event dates, where congestion occurs or to provide for better clustering of complimentary activities i.e., dates of events changed to maximise spread of angling activity/opportunity.

Sponsorship criteria

Angling Event Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria and assigned a score with support proportionally awarded to the highest scoring Events. Only Events which meet the essential criteria will be considered.

Event duration and participation levels are used to estimate the economic/coaching impact for each event and other factors under consideration include:

International Events held in Ireland

• Organised by an Angling Federation/National Body/Other;
• Majority of participants from overseas;
• Must be equal opportunities events;
• Be a recreational angling event on waters under the remit of IFI or raise awareness of the commercial use of inland fisheries;
• Give due regard for the environment, ecology and biodiversity of the waters by a) implementing the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ and 
  b) ensuring that bio-security measures are in place in line with IFI recommendations;
• Have public liability insurance and insurance that indemnifies IFI against claim.
• Have Garda vetting and child protection training in place for underage events
• Fish welfare initiatives/catch and release are promoted and practiced.

National Events & Novice Angler Events

• Organised by local clubs/organisations;
• Must be open to non-club members;
• Must be equal opportunities events;
• Be a recreational angling event on waters under the remit of IFI or raise awareness of the commercial use of inland fisheries;
• Attract new anglers in an active capacity and not just as spectators;
• Give due regard for the environment, ecology and biodiversity of the waters by
  a) implementing the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ and 
  b) ensuring that bio-security measures are in place in line with IFI recommendations;
• Have public liability insurance and insurance which indemnifies IFI against claim.
• Fish welfare initiatives/catch and release are promoted and practiced.
• Have Garda vetting and child protection training in place for underage events
• A business case is submitted that details the socio-economic benefits of the event.

IFI will not support any competition where the results/scoring system necessitates the killing of fish. Catch and release is mandatory on coarse, pike and game angling events and scoring by length measurement only is mandatory on pike and game angling events.

Post Event Evaluation

The organisers of the Event are required to submit an IFI Event Report Form with detailed accounts of angling returns (where applicable), press cuttings, photographs, details of participation and attendance. Events/organisers who do not return completed report forms to IFI as required may be deemed ineligible for future sponsorship funding.

Photography

Any photographs taken at the Event by or on behalf of IFI or provided by the Event Organisers may be used in IFI publications, Facebook or website etc. Events that include children aged under 18 must seek the written permission of parents/guardians to take photographs and must inform them for what purpose the images will be used.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Development of non-established Events

Where possible, support will be assigned to assist with the development of new Events which provide additional opportunities to attract more users to recreational angling.

Leave No Trace initiatives

The Leave No Trace programme is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts to value the natural environment, to understand the impact of their activities and to enable them to make decisions to minimise that impact while still enjoying their activities with freedom.

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Be Considerate of Others
• Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
• Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
• Leave What You Find
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Minimise the Effects of Fire

Events should be organised with due consideration to Leave No Trace where applicable. For more information on Leave No Trace see http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/

Evaluation and Notification

• The sponsorship evaluation committee will evaluate all submissions in line with the sponsorship evaluation criteria while taking note of any developments arising out of discussions taking place between the Minister of State and the angling federations.
• After the closing date and advise applicants of each outcome in writing.
• If sponsorship is approved, the applicant will be sent a letter of offer containing the conditions of sponsorship which must be signed and returned.
• If sponsorship is not approved, the applicant will be advised.

Insurance

IFI strives to manage risk associated with events taking place on fisheries in its care. To ensure that event organisers have appropriately assessed the risk associated with their event on IFI fisheries, IFI has divided events into two categories each with different insurance verification standards;

Category 1 (LOW Risk) Events

This category includes events:

• Where any water-based activity is appropriately equipped using qualified personnel at the appropriate supervisor-to-participant ratios (as deemed by the sports organising authority);
• From accredited or suitable applicants, i.e., a constituted club or organisation with a history of running similar activities or event organisers / supervisors who are accredited in the activity proposed and have ongoing insurance.

Category 1 events may be required to submit the name of their insurance company, the policy number and date of expiry.

Category 2 (HIGH Risk) Events

This category focuses on events which include water activity which;

• Is predominately motor-powered;
• Has a multiple number of waterside or waterway activities within the event; and/or
• Is organised by an ad-hoc committee.

Category 2 events must have their insurance company complete an Insurance Verification Form and return it for verification by an independent insurance assessor. 
Powered events are considered to be those where the engine used in the craft exceeds 10hp.

The insurance verification process must be completed a minimum of three weeks before the event takes place.

Conditions of Support

The conditions of support may include some or all of the following:

• that IFI must be acknowledged in all promotional material; other schemes involving IFI support will also be acknowledged where applicable (Dublin Angling Initiative; Angling for Youth Development Ireland; Midland Fisheries Fund; Salmon Conservation Fund etc.);
• the location of the event and GPS location be advised for inclusion in event mapping and calendars;
• that all material associated with the Event must display the ‘Sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland’ corporate identity logo in a prominent position; identifying logos for other schemes involving IFI support will also be displayed where applicable (Dublin Angling Initiative; Angling for Youth Development Ireland; Midland Fisheries Fund; Salmon Conservation Fund etc.);
• that IFI may use any details / reports about the event and photographs taken at the Event or supplied by the Event Organisers in printed materials and on the IFI website, Facebook page etc.;
• that IFI approve of all related designs and layouts;
• that the Event be titled the “IFI (Event Name)” and that it be referred to as such in all promotional material, individual arrangements may be agreed;
• that the Event insurance is deemed adequate by the IFI insurance company, angling clubs may be asked to provide a copy of their insurance documentation as proof;
• that a profit & loss account for the Event be submitted;
• that a Tax Clearance Certificate or letter from the relevant Tax Authority is submitted (where total payments to the particular individual/organisation may exceed €10,000) in the tax year;
• that fish welfare initiatives/catch and release are promoted and practiced. IFI will not support any competition where the results/scoring system necessitates the killing of fish; catch and release is mandatory and scoring by length measurement only is mandatory on pike and game angling events;
• that advice in relation to improving biosecurity arrangements will be adopted; see https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Biosecurity/biosecurity-for-boaters-and-anglers.html;
• that an IFI Event Report Form be completed and returned to IFI within a fortnight of the event taking place. Where an Event organiser does not complete and return the relevant report forms that event/organiser may be ineligible for future sponsorship;
• that event organisers may be required to assist/facilitate IFI in conducting participant surveys at their events;
• that in order to minimise impacts on the environment the seven ‘Leave No Trace’ principles be adhered to for the duration of the event. For more information on Leave No Trace see http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/;
• Conditions as deemed necessary for the particular event.
• Applicants must provide proof that the event will be compliant with the conditions listed above if requested by IFI to do so

In awarding sponsorship support, IFI may require that events be clustered, i.e. dates of events changed to maximise use of resources or ensure sufficient resources.

General Data Protection Regulation 

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) fully respects the individual’s right to privacy and will not collect any personal information without consent. Any personal information provided to IFI will be treated with the highest standards of security and confidentiality, strictly in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation [Regulation (EU) 2016/679]. This information will be collected and processed by IFI in accordance with GDPR requirements and held for the purposes of corresponding with Sponsorship Programme applicants. For further information please see our Privacy Notice.

Acceptance of Sponsorship Offer

Applicants must confirm that they accept the offer of sponsorship and agree to the conditions of sponsorship by signing a document which will be sent to the event organisers with the letter of offer.

In order to claim any financial sponsorship awarded, event organisers will be required to invoice IFI. IFI will NOT be able to issue payment until such an invoice has been received. Payment will be by electronic transfer only and bank IBAN and BIC details must be provided,

To claim a sponsorship award, all invoices and supporting documentation must be submitted to Inland Fisheries Ireland before December 15th, 2024, otherwise financial support may be forfeited.

If the conditions of sponsorship are not adhered to, IFI has the right to withhold or seek to recover all or part of the support provided. 
Applications will not be assessed until AFTER the submission closing date of January 19th, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be assessed.

If you would like this information in large print or other formats, please contact:

Inland Fisheries Ireland,

3044 Lake Drive,

Citywest,

Dublin 24,

D24 CK66,

Ireland

Phone +353 (01) 8842600.

Sponsorship Programme 2023

This tab will be updated when the 2023 IFI Sponsorship Programme has been completed and reviewed.

Sponsorship Programme 2022

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) may, at its discretion and depending on the availability of resources, provide support to groups, associations, clubs or other appropriate bodies to assist with Events which meet the aims of the IFI Sponsorship Programme.

Inland Fisheries Ireland offered funding to 51 clubs and organisations for angling events and initiatives across the country through the Sponsorship Programme in 2022.

Angling clubs and federations applied to the programme for support in hosting angling competitions, conservation events and novice coaching programmes.  In 2022, the Sponsorship Programme offered support to:

• 30 angling competitions which showcase Ireland’s angling offering and contribute to local economies. 
• 15 Coaching/ Juvenile events aimed at novice and young anglers with a view to increasing participation in the sport.
• 6 other angling related initiatives.

For  a full list of the events and initiatives that were offered funding in 2021, scroll down. 

Eligible events and categories for 2022 were as follows (in order of priority):

• Large / international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling and contribute to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses. 
• Novice angler events & training courses which increase participation in angling. Minimum of 20 novice angler participants required.
• Information dissemination / initiatives to promote fisheries awareness / conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource / promotion of angling as a key Irish tourism activity e.g. Production of high quality angling promotional videos / seminars / coaching / training / workshops etc. 
• Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad.

For the purposes of the support material and sponsorship application form, Event is used to describe any appropriate inland fisheries, recreational angling, education and awareness or other appropriate event, competition, item, initiative etc. as described above.

Sponsorship Programme 2021

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) may, at its discretion and depending on the availability of resources, provide support to groups, associations, clubs or other appropriate bodies to assist with Events which meet the aims of the IFI Sponsorship Programme.

Inland Fisheries Ireland offered funding for 40 angling events and initiatives across the country through the Sponsorship Programme in 2021.

Angling clubs and federations applied to the programme for support in hosting angling competitions, conservation events and novice coaching programmes.  In 2021, the Sponsorship Programme offered support to:

• 12 angling competitions which showcase Ireland’s angling offering and contribute to local economies. 
• 25 Coaching/ Juvenile events aimed at novice and young anglers with a view to increasing participation in the sport.
• Three other angling related initiatives.

For  a full list of the events and initiatives were offered funding in 2021, scroll down. 

Eligible events and categories for 2021 were as follows (in order of priority):

• Large / international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling and contribute to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses. 
• Novice angler events & training courses which increase participation in angling. Minimum of 20 novice angler participants required.
• Information dissemination / initiatives to promote fisheries awareness / conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource / promotion of angling as a key Irish tourism activity e.g. Production of high quality angling promotional videos / seminars / coaching / training / workshops etc. 
• Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad.

For the purposes of the support material and sponsorship application form, Event is used to describe any appropriate inland fisheries, recreational angling, education and awareness or other appropriate event, competition, item, initiative etc. as described above.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme didn’t go ahead in 2020

Sponsorship Programme 2019

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) may, at its discretion and depending on the availability of resources, provide support to groups, associations, clubs or other appropriate bodies to assist with Events which meet the aims of the IFI Sponsorship Programme.

Inland Fisheries Ireland offered funding for 87 angling events and initiatives across the country through the Sponsorship Programme in 2019.

Angling clubs and federations applied to the programme, which is a funding mechanism of the National Strategy for Angling Development, for support in hosting angling competitions, conservation events and novice coaching programmes.  In 2019, the Sponsorship Programme offered support to:

• 45 angling competitions which showcase Ireland’s angling offering and contribute to local economies. 
• 37 Coaching/ Juvenile events aimed at novice and young anglers with a view to increasing participation in the sport.
• Five public awareness events and angling related initiatives.

For  a full list of the events and initiatives that were offered funding in 2019, scroll down. 

Eligible events and categories for 2019 were as follows (in order of priority):

• Large / international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling and contribute to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses. 
• Novice angler events & training courses which increase participation in angling. Minimum of 20 novice angler participants required.
• Information dissemination / initiatives to promote fisheries awareness / conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource / promotion of angling as a key Irish tourism activity e.g. Production of high quality angling promotional videos / seminars / coaching / training / workshops etc. 
• Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad.

THE BUDGET FOR 2019 SPONSORSHIP FUNDING HAS BEEN FULLY ALLOCATED. ANY APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED (UNLESS CANCELLATIONS OF FUNDED EVENTS OCCUR). SPONSORSHIP IN THE FORM OF STAFF ASSISTANCE, EQUIPMENT USE AND ONLINE PROMOTION CAN STILL BE APPLIED FOR AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.  

For the purposes of the support material and sponsorship application form, Event is used to describe any appropriate inland fisheries, recreational angling, education and awareness or other appropriate event, competition, item, initiative etc. as described  above.

Following advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland, some events were cancelled in 2018 due to extreme weather conditions