Scholarship opportunity
The iFishiBelong Scholarship Program is designed to support individuals facing financial challenges that may impact their ability to participate in the iFishiBelong DIY Fishing events. We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in building a united and inclusive angling community and aim to help lessen the financial barriers that may hinder attendance.
What's Covered
- Registration for the Oregon iFishiBelong Event ($50 Value)
- $500 Travel Stipend: To offset lodging, travel, and fishing license expenses.
- Guided Fly Fishing Day: Friday, 5/30/25, with tip included. This guided trip will have both scholarship winners as anglers with a 2:1 guide ratio.
- Educational Sessions:
- 2-hour workshop on Thursday, 5/29/25.
- Additional education during the DRA Troutfest on Saturday, 5/31/25.
Eligibility Criteria
- Align with the iFishiBelong Mission.
- A person who, for any reason, has experienced a financial barrier to exploring the sport of fly fishing.
- Committed to being part of an inclusive fishing community and embodying ethical, responsible fishing practices as defined by tribal and government regulations.
- Capable of covering any additional travel and lodging expenses beyond the $500 travel stipend awarded with this scholarship.
- 18 years or older.
- Must be a US Resident, 18 years or older. iFishiBelong is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization. This requirement aligns with iFishiBelong’s nonprofit status and applicable U.S. regulations.
Scholarship Waiver and Photo Release
Scholarship recipients must complete a scholarship waiver and photo release form, which will be included in the scholarship award email. Throughout the DIY fishing events, iFishiBelong will capture numerous photos and videos to celebrate, promote, and uphold the belief that fishing is inclusive for all. iFishiBelong and our sponsors will utilize this media to share on various social platforms. Additionally, we will provide a media folder that you can utilize on your platforms.
Application Process
- To apply, please share your story, including answers to the following questions on the provided Google Form listed below.
- Scholarship Questions –
- In 200 words or less, please describe any financial challenges you’ve encountered related to fishing.
- In 200 words or less, please describe what fishing means to you personally. How has fishing impacted your life, values, and perspectives?
- How can you contribute to iFishiBelong’s mission of making angling accessible and inclusive for all individuals in the fishing community?
- Scholarship Questions –
- Fill out the scholarship application form HERE.
Award Process
- Scholarship applications are to be submitted through the iFishiBelong Google Form.
- Scholarship Form Link HERE.
- Scholarship Application is open from 2/1/25 – 2/28/25.
- All applicant information will be compiled anonymously by an iFishibelong Team member not on the Scholarship Selection Team on 3/1/25.
- The Scholarship Selection Team will meet virtually to discuss the anonymous applicants 3/2/25 – 3/14/25.
- The Scholarship Chair will inform applicants of the award decisions on 3/15/25.
- The Scholarship winners will be announced on 3/19/25.
The Scholarship Selection Team comprises of individuals from the iFishiBelong Team, TroutRoutes, United Women on the Fly, and Ubuntu Fly Anglers. Email us at [email protected] with any questions.
Become a Sponsor
Want to make a direct impact by supporting financial assistance for anglers? Become a scholarship sponsor today! Email [email protected] to learn more.