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Angling Direct's AD Community Fund Launch
Fishing has always been much more than a hobby. For anglers from all walks of life, it can be a respite from the pressures of the modern world. Whether it helps you to socialise, to get some physical exercise, to take a break from work, to bond with your family or even to get some fresh air. We all have our reasons, and we can all relate to that feeling of getting out there, for that brief moment, and having nothing to worry about besides what might happen on our next cast.
The angling community is built on shared moments, connection with nature, and the joys of having an adventure in the great outdoors. The mental health benefits are well documented but so are the challenges and difficulties the angling community face throughout every season.
So, how can Angling Direct play a much bigger role in supporting anglers?
Inspired by our community, Angling Direct is proud to launch the brand new AD Community Fund, a new way for us to give back and help secure the future of our sport.
The AD Community Fund
The AD Community Fund is a new charitable fund to protect, support, and grow angling through investment, environmental restoration, and wellbeing initiatives. It is our long-term commitment to supporting our angling community.
Created to address some of the biggest challenges facing the sport today, it provides practical help and funding to grassroots projects and organisations that make a real difference.
Funded through a minimum of 5% of revenue from our new AD Win competition website, the AD Community Fund is structured around the core themes that reflect our values and our vision for the future: Putting anglers first, giving expert guidance, inspiring the future generations of anglers and being proud of what we do together.
How will this help you?
Its sole aim is to fund and encourage key initiatives across grass root activities, better environment improvements, empowering fishery protection projects and well-being themes.
We’re also proud to announce our first supported project: the Angling Trust’s “Anglers Against Pollution” campaign, which focuses on water quality monitoring across the UK.
In addition to new ventures, we’ll continue backing key partnerships with organisations like Tackling Minds, the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS), and the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign, which introduces newcomers to angling.
What we’re doing right now
We’re not wasting any time. From day one, the AD Community Fund will begin delivering real results. Our initial projects are as follows:
Support for the Angling Trust’s "Anglers Against Pollution" campaign
Partnership funding for Tackling Minds
Continued backing of the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS)
Ongoing support for the "Get Fishing" campaign to encourage new participation
This is just the beginning.
Coming in 2026: Open Grants for the Angling Community
Next year, we’ll be opening the AD Community Fund to grant applications; giving fishing clubs, charities, and local groups the chance to apply for support. Whether it’s for venue restoration, inclusive events, or community outreach, we want to help fund projects that reflect the passion and commitment found throughout angling.
A Message from Our CEO, Steven Crowe
“The AD Community Fund is about more than giving back, it's about moving forward together. It’s our promise to help improve the sport we all share and to stand alongside those working hard to protect and nurture it. Together, we can safeguard the future of fishing and inspire the next generation of anglers.”
Let’s Protect What We Love
This fund is your fund. Whether you're teaching the next generation, restoring your local pond, or simply passionate about protecting our waterways, we want to hear from you.
Stay tuned for updates. Let’s build something that leaves a lasting legacy for anglers.