Bass Pro Shops – Outdoor Fund Local Impact Grant Program (2026)
Small Grants Supporting Local Conservation & Outdoor Access
Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor Fund Local Impact Grant Program supports local organizations and projects that engage communities near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations. Grants align with the Outdoor Fund’s conservation pillars of Conserving Wildlife and Habitat and Connecting New Audiences to the Outdoors, with a focus on hands-on, community-based impact.
Organization: Bass Pro Shops (Outdoor Fund)
Support Type: Project grants
Geographic Focus: United States and Canada (communities near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations)
About the Funder
The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund supports conservation and outdoor access initiatives that protect natural resources and inspire people to enjoy and care for the outdoors. Through local grantmaking, the Outdoor Fund invests in community-driven projects that strengthen conservation outcomes and expand inclusive access to outdoor experiences.
What This Program Supports
The Outdoor Fund provides funding for specific projects, programs, or community events aligned with one of the following conservation pillars:
Conserving Wildlife and Habitat
Projects focused on protecting, restoring, or maintaining wildlife populations and natural habitats.
Connecting New Audiences to the Outdoors
Programs that introduce youth, underserved communities, or new participants to outdoor recreation and conservation activities.
Example Supported Projects Include:
- Youth fishing clinics
- Adaptive kayak launches
- Equipment purchases for community gear libraries
- Local trail maintenance or restoration projects
Funding Amounts
- Grant Size: Up to $5,000
- Awarded funds must be fully expended within one calendar year of the funding date
Eligibility Requirements
United States Applicants
- Municipality or public institution
- Organization registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) or other 501(c) designation
Canada Applicants
- Provincially registered nonprofit
- Municipality or public institution
- Organization with charitable status registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Project Eligibility
- Requests must be for a specific, defined project or program
- Projects must align with one of the Outdoor Fund’s two conservation pillars
Ineligible Requests
The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund does not support:
- Fundraising events, banquets, or giveaway items
- General operating support
- Capital campaigns or endowments
- Construction or building costs
- Projects still in the design or development phase
- ATV, UTV, or boat requests
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Timeline: Rolling
📅 Review Type: Ongoing review based on alignment and submission timing
Applicants should apply once project plans and budgets are finalized.
Application / Request Process
To apply:
- Confirm organizational and project eligibility
- Prepare a clear project description aligned to a conservation pillar
- Submit the application through the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund Local Impact Grant Program form
- Plan to use all awarded funds within one calendar year
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is well suited for organizations that:
- Serve communities near Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s locations
- Are implementing hands-on conservation or outdoor access projects
- Need small project-based grants rather than operating or capital funding
- Can demonstrate measurable local impact within one year
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Rolling
- Grant Size: Up to $5,000
- Award Type: Project grants
- Best Suited For: Local nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions advancing conservation or outdoor access