BENTON, Ky. (Major League Fishing) — Major League Fishing, in partnership with Zoeller Pumps, announced a $5,000 contribution through the Zoeller Pumps “We Work for Water” initiative to support a new conservation grant administered through the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP).
The funding, announced during the 16th Annual Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership Meeting, Sept. 21-24 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, will provide financial assistance to conservation organizations working to improve water quality, aquatic habitat and fish populations in reservoirs across the United States.
The contribution marks the third Zoeller Pumps “We Work for Water” donation of 2026 through MLF’s Fisheries Management Division (FMD). Earlier this year, the initiative supported the James River Basin Partnership during Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 and Mighty River Recovery during Kubota Heavy Hitters, continuing a commitment to protecting and enhancing the nation’s aquatic resources.
Unlike the previous contributions, the latest donation will establish a competitive grant opportunity available to eligible Friends of Reservoirs member organizations. Projects must focus on the movement of water and its role in improving water quality, supporting fish communities or enhancing aquatic habitat.
“Healthy fisheries depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems, and water movement plays a critical role in maintaining the conditions fish need to thrive,” said Steven Bardin, MLF Fisheries Management Division Director. “Through our partnership with Zoeller Pumps, we’re able to extend our conservation efforts beyond individual tournament locations and support organizations that are doing important restoration work in their own communities. Establishing this grant through the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership allows us to reach more projects across the country and help turn innovative habitat improvement ideas into meaningful, lasting results.”
The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership is part of the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), a nationwide conservation effort established in 2006 to address declining fish habitat across the country’s aquatic ecosystems.
Together with its nonprofit partner, Friends of Reservoirs, RFHP works to improve reservoir fisheries through habitat restoration, conservation education, and collaborative partnerships with agencies, organizations, and local angling groups.
Each year, RFHP and Friends of Reservoirs provide competitive funding opportunities for large- and small-scale habitat improvement projects. The new Zoeller Pumps “We Work for Water” Grant will complement existing funding programs supported by Bass Pro Shops and the National Fish Habitat Partnership, as well as small-grant initiatives supported by MossBack Fish Habitat, the Reef Ball Foundation, AFTCO, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and Costa Compete and Conserve.
Applications for the Zoeller Pumps grant are expected to become available online at FriendsofReservoirs.org. Eligible Friends of Reservoirs member organizations will have until Aug. 31, 2027, to submit proposals for consideration. Applications will be reviewed and scored, and grant recipients will be announced during the next annual Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership meeting.
For more information about the Zoeller Pumps “We Work for Water” Grant and upcoming application opportunities, visit FriendsofReservoirs.org. To learn more about Major League Fishing and its conservation efforts, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news, and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets on Facebook, X, Instagram, Rumble, and YouTube.
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