National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program is administered by the United States Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security. The program is part of a broader federal effort to improve public safety on U.S. waterways through collaboration with nonprofit organizations that have the capacity to operate at a national scale. The Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety oversees the initiative, aligning grant-funded activities with national priorities to reduce boating-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities while supporting environmental stewardship and national security considerations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support nonprofit-led programs that enhance recreational boating safety across the United States. The program emphasizes initiatives that influence boater behavior, improve manufacturing safety practices, and leverage data to inform safety strategies. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that align with one or more of these strategic initiatives or identified areas of interest. The overarching goal is to create a safer and more informed boating public through education, outreach, and evidence-based interventions. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning the Coast Guard maintains substantial involvement throughout the project lifecycle. Award amounts range from 50000 to 600000 dollars, with total program funding exceeding 6.5 million dollars. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Funds must be used for allowable activities within the defined budget period and may not support lobbying, legal claims against the government, or other prohibited uses. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as increased participation in safety courses, expanded outreach efforts, or improved safety awareness metrics. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are not institutions of higher education. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver services on a national scale, either independently or through partnerships. This includes providing boating safety services across all designated regions or presenting a credible plan to achieve nationwide coverage. Organizations must also demonstrate experience serving the public and compliance with federal regulations and policies. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and require several components, including an executive summary, organizational description, program timeline, detailed program narrative, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Additional supporting documents such as proof of nonprofit status, financial systems verification, and organizational policies are also required. The program narrative must address evaluation criteria, including project relevance, national scope, organizational capacity, and sustainability planning. The application deadline is July 7, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The application period opened on June 5, 2026. Funding decisions are expected by late September 2026, with awards issued shortly thereafter. The period of performance is anticipated to run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The Coast Guard conducts a structured review process involving subject matter experts who evaluate applications based on technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Cynthia Dudzinski, Lead Grants Management Specialist, via phone at 5716082233 or email at cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring, but given its structure and federal funding context, it may be offered periodically subject to appropriations and agency priorities.

Align project with one of the three strategic initiatives; clearly demonstrate national scope capability; provide measurable outcomes and strong evaluation metrics; ensure budget justification is detailed and reasonable