The Guide Relief Program (GRP) is a 501(c)3 IRS-designated nonprofit organization. While the organization is based in Montana, the organization supports guides throughout the country. And the Outdoor Guide Association (OGA) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit membership organization for fishing guides. The mission of these organizations is to strengthen the fly fishing guide community. We asked Mollie Simpkins, Executive Director & Co-founder of The Guide Relief Program a few questions about the organizations, and their efforts to support the fly fishing industry.
What is the overall mission of the Guide Relief Program?
Mollie: To support fishing guides on and off the water.
How did the organization get started?
Mollie: I work at Sweetwater Fly Shop in Livingston, Montana and when Covid hit, my boss and owner of the shop, Dan Gigone, suggested we raise funds for guides who are losing income due to the shutdown. It’s something I enjoy doing so began putting a plan together. When the CARES Act passed, independent contractors, including guides, were getting unemployment so we pivoted to help them navigate the unemployment process, which in the bests of times is a challenge. We also assisted guides in applying for PPP loans and EIDL grants, and supplied information for those who may need assistance with utilities, food insecurities, and more.
Who has the Guide Relief Program helped? And, how?
Mollie: After the Yellowstone flooding in June, tourists began canceling and continue to cancel trips to Paradise Valley and beyond. Guides lost trips and income due to these cancellations. A grassroots fundraiser was launched by GRP friend, Josh Mills of Spokane, in which over $50,000 has been raised. Much of those funds were allocated to GRP and will be available directly to guides who lost income due to the flood. The application to apply for the funds went live on July 10 and we’re very much looking forward to writing our first check to support our guide community!
Is the Guide Relief Program only for guides, or anyone within the outdoor industry?
Mollie: Yes, currently, fishing guides, fly or convention, can apply for funding and/or apply for two free months of mental health services. We are looking to expand to guides in other outdoor pursuits but want to make absolutely certain that when we do expand, we do so in a smart and measured manner.
How can guides make use of the Guide Relief Program?
Mollie: Any guide who wishes to apply for a small grant and/or mental health services, can do so on our website. There will be an extensive application to access grant funding, but all a guide needs to do is prove they are a guide to access the two free months of mental health services. It’s a quick and easy process.
Why is the Guide Relief Program so important to the fly fishing industry?
Mollie: There is nothing else like GRP that supports guides in this manner. If a guide finds themselves in a bit of a financial pinch, they can reach out for assistance. And, while the topic of mental health is a conversation that many have become more comfortable speaking about, it’s still very much stigmatized in the fishing and outdoor community. In making the process confidential, we hope that guides will feel at ease in accessing this service. Once a guide applies, their email is uploaded to our provider and it’s out of our hands. We don’t know if a guide uses the program or does not.
How can someone get involved in helping the organization, even if they aren’t a guide or in the industry?
Mollie: While we don’t yet have volunteer opportunities, we welcome anyone who wants to learn about the organization and help us spread the word. Of course, donations are happily accepted.
The Outdoor Guide Association
The Outdoor Guide Association (OGA) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit membership organization for fishing guides. While the organization is based in Montana, membership to OGA is available to guides throughout the country. The mission of The Outdoor Guide Association is to strengthen the fly fishing guide community.
How did the organization get started?
Mollie: When the idea of the Guide Relief Program began, one of the things we wanted to do was offer benefits and services to guides that have not been previously available to them. Because this was going to be a membership organization that had to separate from GRP. As a membership organization is viewed differently in the eyes of the IRS, the Outdoor Guide Association was created as a 501(c)6.
What are some of the benefits available to guide as a member of the Outdoor Guide Association?
Mollie: A fishing guide, fly or conventional, can join the Outdoor Guide Association for $50 per year. Once approved, a guide will automatically be signed up to receive two free months of mental health services. As with GRP, once the guide’s email address is uploaded to our partner’s website, we are out of the process.
For $204 per year, guides can get the Health Discount Program. Included in this benefit is: Free telehealth, discount dental, vision, vitamins, and pharmacy, roadside assistance, global travel assist, and pet care.
Through our partners at Cross Current Insurance, guides can also access a suite of insurance coverage: Liability, Accident, Disability, and Life Insurance. We are looking to expand our programs with the complete health of the guide in mind.
Is the Outdoor Guide Association only for guides, or anyone within the outdoor industry?
Mollie: Currently, fishing guides, fly or conventional, can become a member of the Outdoor Guide Association. As with the Guide Relief Program, our goal is to expand to include guides around the country in any outdoor pursuit.
How can guides make use of the Outdoor Guide Association?
Mollie: All a guide needs to do is apply for membership to OGA. Once approved and their membership is paid for, they can access any benefits offered.
Why is the Outdoor Guide Association so important to the fly fishing industry?
Mollie: We believe that having strong, healthy guides, will create a better experience for clients and keep the industry and community vibrant, engaged, and thriving.
How can someone get involved in helping the organization, even if they aren’t a guide or in the industry?
Mollie: While we don’t yet have volunteer opportunities, we welcome anyone who wants to learn about the organization and help us spread the word. Of course, donations are happily accepted.
