VFA – Recreational Fishing Large Grants Program

  • Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 (GST exclusive) and are available to incorporated bodies, associations, statutory bodies, and government agencies.
  • Eligible projects may include infrastructure improvements, habitat restoration, educational programs, and research initiatives that contribute to sustainable fisheries and better fishing experiences.
  • Applications close February 28th, 2026

The Victorian Recreational Fishing Large Grants Program supports projects that enhance public recreational fishing across Victoria. Funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account, this program aims to improve fishing access, sustainability, education, and research. Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 (GST exclusive) and are available to incorporated bodies, associations, statutory bodies, and government agencies. Individual applicants are not eligible.

Preference is given to projects that demonstrate co-funding or in-kind contributions, leverage existing initiatives, and deliver long-term benefits to recreational fishers. Eligible projects may include infrastructure improvements, habitat restoration, educational programs, and research initiatives that contribute to sustainable fisheries and better fishing experiences. Applications for the 2025–26 round opened on 1 October and close on 28 February 2026. This competitive program ensures funds are allocated to projects that provide clear benefits to the Victorian fishing community.

Key Requirements

  • Enhance Recreational Fishing Access and Facilities
    Projects improving access points, platforms, and amenities for fishers.
  • Promote Fisheries Sustainability and Habitat Improvement
    Initiatives that restore habitats and support fish populations.
  • Education, Information, and Training
    Programs that educate the community on sustainable fishing practices.
  • Recreational Fisheries Research
    Research projects that inform policy and improve fishing outcomes.

Preference is given to projects that demonstrate co-funding or in-kind contributions, leverage existing initiatives, and deliver long-term benefits to recreational fishers.

What is eligible for funding?

Projects may include construction of fishing platforms, habitat restoration, educational campaigns, and research studies. Smaller-scale boating infrastructure may be considered if it benefits recreational fishing.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities include statutory bodies, government agencies, and incorporated associations. Funding is not available to individuals. Projects must benefit public recreational fishing in Victoria.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.