Formed in 1990, the Friends of Wisconsin TU program allows members to make annual contributions of $100 or more to a special fund managed by the Wisconsin TU State Council. In the last 15 years, the Friends program has appropriated over $135,000 for projects throughout the state. See our project map!

Funds can only be used for projects involving stream habitat improvement, research, and conservation education.

We in Wisconsin have many trout fishing opportunities! However, many streams have their flows impaired by dams and debris. Some streams and ponds are so clogged with silt that they are nearly devoid of spawning space for trout. Many of our most famous streams face threats from mining, stormwater discharges, agricultural runoff and development as well. You can help solve some of these issues.

Your annual contribution of $100 or more means you will be listed with all the other "Friends" in four consecutive issues of Wisconsin Trout.

Steve Hill Chairman
107 S. Fifth St.
Watertown, WI 53094
Phone (920) 261-4005
 Cell (920) 285 6502
e-mail budgetprint@charter.net

Grant applications for the "Friends" program are considered for approval during regularly scheduled State Council meetings. Applications for funds are reviewed and acted upon by a committee consisting of the Vice Chairman of WTU, the Regional Vice Chairs and the Treasurer of WTU. The WTU Vice Chair is the Chairman of this Committee. 
The committee uses the following criteria for determining which applications will receive approval for funding. 

* Applications must come directly from a Wisconsin TU Chapter. Applications originating from sources other than a TU Chapter must first be reviewed and acted upon by by a Wisconsin Chapter for consideration for funding. Chapters approving such applications and wishing them to be considered for funding from the "Friends" program should attach a cover letteer to the original application. Such letter should state the Chapter support for the project, how much the chapter has contributed to the project and a request for such funds as the Chapter feels is appropriate. 

*Projects having a statewide or regional impact will generally receive priority over local projects if the amound of funds available does not allow for the funding of all project applications received.  

*Grants for funding from the "Friends" program will generally be given priority if the project applications shows that other funding sources are also contributing to the overall project, This includes funding from Local Chapters involved with the project. Projects needing to secure funding in order to secure matching funds from other sources will be given special consideration.

* Grants may be made for research, habitat improvements, and educational projects that further the goals of Trout Unlimited. Requests for projects that serve other purposes which are in keeping with the overall mission of TU may be considered by the Committee on a case specific basis, but will generally not receive priority consideration.

*New projects that are in need of funding to get them started may receive priority consideration over projects which may be ongoing over multiple years.

*The maximum amount of grant that may be received for any project on an annual basis shall be $2000.00. Applications for amounts in excess of this maximum may be considered by the committee only for exceptional projects with the potential for having a broad benefit to a large area of Wisconsin