Future Fisherman Foundation stays afloat

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – With new funding secured, the Future Fisherman Foundation’s board of directors voted March 24 to continue the foundation’s operations providing angling education programs for children and their families all across the country.
The organization’s future was in question last fall when its primary sponsor pulled out due to the declining economy.
“We are committed to seeking program funding from businesses and organizations both inside and outside the sport-fishing community,” said foundation Executive Director Anne Danielski. “There are many entities that share our mission to get young people into the outdoors and there is no better way to do that than fishing with family and friends.”
Over the past 20 years, the foundation has created nearly 1 million conservation-minded young anglers through creative programs and partnerships such as the mentoring-based Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program; the school-based Physh Ed angling and boating education program; and after-school fishing programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Fishing is an affordable activity the whole family can enjoy even in these difficult economic times,” Danielski said. “We are asking for everyone’s support to help the foundation continue its mission to create opportunities for children to experience the joys of fishing.”
The Future Fisherman Foundation, established in 1986 by Berkley & Co. to increase youth participation in the sport of fishing, became associated with the American Sportfishing Association in 1996. However, with the economic downturn and the elimination of one of the foundation’s grant funding sources, in October 2008 ASA’s board of directors announced that effective March 31, 2009, it could no longer financially support the foundation.
As of April 1, the Future Fisherman Foundation began operating independently of the American Sportfishing Association with offices in the greater Washington, D.C., area.
For more information on the foundation’s initiatives or to make a donation to help ensure the future of fishing, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.futurefisherman.org. Contact foundation Danielski at adanielski@futurefisherman.org, or 703-402-3623, with questions or funding support options.
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