IGFA's Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF)

Natural disasters demonstrate the devastating impacts that catastrophic weather, fire, and seismic events can have on the international recreational angling community. Anywhere in the world, on any day, at any time, a thriving recreational fishery can become a wasteland in a matter of hours in a major natural disaster. And the people who often create those recreational fisheries — the captains, guides, crews, and outfitters who depend on recreational fishing for their livelihoods— often find themselves in the center of the storm.

To address the impacts of these disasters and be prepared to respond to future catastrophes, the IGFA created the Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF) in 2017 with its partners at Costa Sunglasses. To date, the WARF has disbursed more than $305,000 to recreational angling associations in the Florida Keys, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the Florida Panhandle, The Bahamas, Belize, the Gulf Coast, and Montana to help local captains and guides recover from natural disasters. 

Get Involved

 

The WARF accepts donations from the global recreational angling community and provides grants to local nonprofit angling organizations and associations to accelerate recovery efforts, helping captains, guides, mates, and anglers get back on the water. These grants are designed to support those whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by natural disasters, ensuring they can rebuild and resume their work in the fishing industry.

Grant decisions will be made by IGFA leadership in consultation with major WARF supporters, local representatives in affected regions, and other key stakeholders to ensure the funds are distributed efficiently and effectively where they are needed most.

 

 

WARF Grant Application Process

Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF) is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations. These grants will provide critical financial assistance to recreational fishing professionals—including captains, guides, crews, and outfitters—whose livelihoods have been severely affected by natural disasters. If your nonprofit can provide financial assistance to recreational fishing professionals affected by natural disasters, grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to selected organizations.

  • Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
  • Notification Date: Organizations selected to receive funding will be notified on or around May 1, 2025

 For questions or additional information, contact IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected] or (954) 924-4325.

 

 

 

The IGFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations may be tax deductible depending on your jurisdiction. To donate by phone, contact Eric Combast, IGFA Development Director, at 954-924-4325.