The Gibbs Fishing Stewardship Program supports habitat restoration, applied fisheries science, and angling access initiatives that help keep sport fishing healthy and viable for the long term. It is funded through a permanent annual commitment from Gibbs Fishing.

For more than a century, Gibbs Fishing has been built by anglers for anglers. Since our founding in 1908, the company has grown alongside the fisheries and communities that make sport fishing possible. That history carries with it a responsibility. To Gibbs, stewardship means helping ensure that the fisheries, waters, and angling traditions that shaped our company remain healthy and accessible for future generations. As one of North America’s longest-standing fishing tackle companies, we recognize that our success has always been tied directly to the health of fish populations and the strength of the angling community. For more than a century, anglers have supported our company and our products. With that support comes a responsibility to contribute to the long term health of the fisheries and communities that sustain the sport. The Gibbs Fishing Stewardship Program reflects that commitment. Through this program, we support practical projects that strengthen fisheries, improve habitat, advance applied fisheries science, and expand responsible access to angling. Our philosophy is simple. We want to help ensure that anglers today, and the next generation of anglers, can continue to simply unplug and reconnect with the natural wonders that surround us through the sport of fishing.

Eligible applicants include fisheries or habitat organizations located in Canada with a clear sport fishing mandate, universities or research institutes located in Canada that are conducting applied fisheries science, and youth angling access or education programs located in Canada that are tied to responsible fishing.

Yes. The program focuses on fisheries within the Pacific Northwest in Canada and the Great Lakes region in Canada. Applications outside these regions will not be considered at this time but stay tuned as we plan on expanding this in the future.

Projects must support habitat restoration or protection, applied fisheries science relevant to sport fishing, or angling access, education, or responsible fishing practices. We prioritize practical projects with measurable outcomes in a 12-month timeframe.

We do not fund general environmental organizations without a fishing focus, advocacy or political organizations, for-profit businesses or individuals, industry trade associations or lobbying bodies, projects unrelated to sport fishing, or requests for reimbursement for projects already completed.

Typical grants range from $1,000 to $15,000 CDN. All grants are one-year commitments, and there are no automatic renewals.

Applications open April 15, 2026 and close August 1, 2026. Grant recipients are announced on September 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.

Applications are reviewed based on their alignment with sport fishing, practical impact, organizational credibility, feasibility and clarity, and defined outcomes and measurement. Not all eligible applications will receive funding.

Funding will be made in installments based on project milestones. An initial 25 percent is provided upon signing the agreement. A further 50 percent is issued following the midpoint report review, with the report due March 1, 2027 and payment issued March 31, 2027. The final 25 percent is released following the final report review, with the report due August 31, 2027 and payment issued September 30, 2027. Recipients are required to provide a midpoint update and a final summary report to receive the remaining funding, and late report submissions could result in no funding.

Yes. Funded projects may be featured on our website and in communications. Recipients must agree to being featured in public company communications via social media and other public platforms.

The program is funded through an annual company commitment. While business growth allows us to expand our investment over time, funding is not tied to individual product purchases.

At this time, funding is limited to registered organizations and institutions. Individual applications are not eligible.

Yes. Organizations that have previously applied may reapply, provided they meet current eligibility requirements and reporting obligations.

Applicants will be notified by email once the review process is complete. We are unable to provide detailed feedback on individual applications.

For any additional questions, please contact stewardship@gibbsdelta.com.