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Starting a new TIC program can cost around $1,500-$1,600 to purchase an aquarium, stand, filter, chiller, and other necessary supplies.
Replacement equipment costs for program continuation, including new filter sponges, filter media, and water quality test kits, range from $150.00 to $250.00. Field trip costs like busing and program supplies can add additional expenses. To ease this financial burden for teachers, the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. (PATU) awards funding to TIC teachers annually through the TIC Grant Program. Grants up to $1,000 can help keep existing TIC programs running. Funding is also available for assistance starting a new TIC program. |
How do I apply to PATU's TIC Grant Program?
Eligibility
Schools and partner organizations who work with active TIC programs or would like to start a new TIC program are eligible to apply.
To be eligible for the TIC Grant Program, teachers and/or partners must have completed a TIC Teacher Workshop in the past or agree to take the new online training workshop that will be available in the second half of 2026. More information will be posted on our Workshops & Events page.
The school and/or their program partner will be responsible for purchasing the additional equipment and supplies found in the EQUIPMENT LIST and ORDERING INFORMATION. If selected for a grant, you will be provided with instructions for contacting That Fish Place to purchase your startup kit. It is recommended that you purchase your aquarium and stand locally as they are not easily shipped.
Apply in Three Easy Steps!
STEP 1: Please review the GRANT INFORMATION SHEET and GRANT APPLICATION PREVIEW - EXISTING PROGRAMS or GRANT APPLICATION PREVIEW - NEW (START UP) PROGRAMS before applying. The previews will let you see the information that you need to gather to prepare your online application. Please make sure you select the appropriate preview for either an existing program or new program.
STEP 2: Complete the appropriate grant application for either EXISTING PROGRAMS OR NEW (START UP) PROGRAMS using Google Forms.
STEP 3: Complete proposed BUDGET FORM and attach to your grant application via the appropriate Google Form above (preferred) or email to Eric Null by 11:59 PM on May 17, 2026.
Questions?
Please contact Eric Null, Executive Director, by email at [email protected].
Schools and partner organizations who work with active TIC programs or would like to start a new TIC program are eligible to apply.
To be eligible for the TIC Grant Program, teachers and/or partners must have completed a TIC Teacher Workshop in the past or agree to take the new online training workshop that will be available in the second half of 2026. More information will be posted on our Workshops & Events page.
The school and/or their program partner will be responsible for purchasing the additional equipment and supplies found in the EQUIPMENT LIST and ORDERING INFORMATION. If selected for a grant, you will be provided with instructions for contacting That Fish Place to purchase your startup kit. It is recommended that you purchase your aquarium and stand locally as they are not easily shipped.
Apply in Three Easy Steps!
STEP 1: Please review the GRANT INFORMATION SHEET and GRANT APPLICATION PREVIEW - EXISTING PROGRAMS or GRANT APPLICATION PREVIEW - NEW (START UP) PROGRAMS before applying. The previews will let you see the information that you need to gather to prepare your online application. Please make sure you select the appropriate preview for either an existing program or new program.
STEP 2: Complete the appropriate grant application for either EXISTING PROGRAMS OR NEW (START UP) PROGRAMS using Google Forms.
STEP 3: Complete proposed BUDGET FORM and attach to your grant application via the appropriate Google Form above (preferred) or email to Eric Null by 11:59 PM on May 17, 2026.
Questions?
Please contact Eric Null, Executive Director, by email at [email protected].
To donate to the TIC Teacher Grant Program, please contact Eric Null, PATU Executive Director, at [email protected].
