Aims/priorities: Established in 2015, the Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) is a means for the Environment Agency to reinvest fishing licence income back into projects that will provide positive outcomes for anglers.
Money for projects to improve habitat and facilities for anglers will be made available through the FIP, which comes directly from fishing licence sales.
The fund can also help fisheries become more resilient to the impact of climate change.
Who can apply? Project proposals are invited from angling clubs, fisheries, NGOs (such as Rivers Trusts and the Wild Trout Trust), local authorities or other community organisations involved in angling. To be eligible, the projects must be in England and involve a form of angling covered by a valid Environment Agency non-migratory trout and coarse fishing licence.
Proposals from river, canal and stillwater fisheries are welcome. Proposals from small angling clubs with limited finances; usually run by volunteers and with smaller needs are particularly encouraged. It is not necessary to be an Angling Trust member club or affiliated organisation to apply.
Grant amount: The Environment Agency has announced that £820,000 is initially available for projects in 2025.
Funding levels for individual projects are not specified.
Application process: Applications can be made using the online form which is available at the programme website.
Deadline: Friday 31 January 2025, (17:00).
Contact information: Email: andy.petch@anglingtrust.net