Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors Awarded Grant from Weatherby Foundation International
Wichita, KS, April 28, 2026 — Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors is honored to announce it has been awarded a grant from Weatherby Foundation International, a global leader in promoting ethical hunting and wildlife conservation. This funding will directly support Pass It On’s mission of connecting youth with mentors in the outdoors, providing opportunities for young people to experience hunting, fishing, and conservation through safe, hands-on activities.
Founded in 1988, the Weatherby Foundation carries forward the legacy of Roy E. Weatherby—not only known for his innovations in firearms and ammunition but also for his unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting. The Foundation’s mission is to educate youth and the non-hunting public about the benefits of ethical sport hunting, its role in sustainable-use wildlife conservation, and the importance of protecting the constitutional right to hunt.
“On behalf of Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, I want to sincerely thank Weatherby Foundation International for their generous support of our mission. This grant will help us provide more youth with safe, meaningful opportunities to experience hunting, fishing, and conservation alongside caring mentors,” stated Dr. Scott Petrie, CEO. “We deeply appreciate Weatherby Foundation’s longstanding commitment to ethical hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor education, and we are proud to partner with an organization so dedicated to ensuring these traditions and values are passed on to future generations.”
The Weatherby Foundation is unique in its focus on supporting education outside of the industry, partnering with organizations that develop and deliver hands-on programs for youth and communities. This partnership with Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors reflects a shared vision of mentorship, conservation, and the passing down of outdoor traditions.
“Weatherby foundation is happy to support Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors. We congratulate them on their success in mentoring youth by providing opportunities for hunting, fishing and conservation allowing them to pass it on,” commented Cass Olmstead, Executive Administrator for Weatherby Foundation International.
About Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors
Founded in 2002, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing mentored hunting and fishing opportunities to youth who would otherwise lack access to the outdoors. Through a structured, safety-focused model, trained volunteer mentors guide young people from diverse backgrounds through hands-on experiences that build confidence, responsibility, and life skills.
Many of the youth served lack access to land, equipment, outdoor knowledge, or a family hunting and fishing tradition. By removing these barriers, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors fosters lifelong connections to wildlife and conservation — while helping recruit the next generation of hunters and anglers, the primary funders of wildlife management in North America.
At a time when youth are increasingly disconnected from nature, the organization's programs help counteract Nature Deficit Disorder by promoting time outdoors, physical activity, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors aims to deliver mentored hunting and fishing opportunities in at least 40 states and Canada within the next four years. For more information, visit outdoormentors.org.
About Weatherby Foundation International
Founded in 1988, Weatherby Foundation International honors the legacy of Roy E. Weatherby, remembered both for his innovations in firearms and his unwavering support for wildlife conservation and ethical sport hunting. The Foundation’s mission is to educate youth and the non-hunting public on the beneficial role of ethical sport hunting and its contribution to sustainable wildlife conservation, and to protect our constitutional right to do so.. Learn more at www.weatherbyfoundation.com