Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant FY26
🏛 Department of Parks and Recreation (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for dam owners and entities responsible for State jurisdictional dams in California with deficiencies requiring remediation. Applicants may include government agencies, public authorities, and dam operators that manage facilities regulated by DWR's Division of Safety of Dams. Eligible projects focus on repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of dams with condition assessments below "Satisfactory" or those with imposed reservoir restrictions. Geographic scope is limited to California dams under State jurisdiction.
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Program description
These grants are available to organizations that offer on-the-water boating safety education courses. Courses offered should be designed to enhance boater knowledge of boating laws, practical handling of vessels on the water, weather and water conditions, rules of the road, and equipment requirements.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (California-specific)
- Dam condition assessment documentation
- Project scope and budget narrative
- Cost-sharing commitment letter
- Community/stakeholder engagement plan
- Public safety risk analysis
Program contact
- 📧 anna.prinzbach@parks.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-902-8798
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Dam owners and operators of State jurisdictional dams in California. This includes government agencies and public authorities managing facilities regulated by DWR's DSOD.
What types of projects are eligible?
Repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of dams with deficiencies. Projects must address condition assessment issues or support dams with imposed reservoir restrictions.
What is the deadline?
Deadline information has not been publicly announced yet. Contact the California Department of Water Resources for updates on when applications will open.
How much funding is available?
Approximately $228.2 million is allocated for this program statewide. Individual award amounts vary based on project scope and need.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to contribute to project funding.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your dam's condition assessment and deficiencies before applying. Use DWR assessment reports as evidence.
- Show how your project reduces public risk or restores water storage capacity lost to reservoir restrictions.
- Demonstrate your organization's financial capacity to provide required cost-sharing contribution.
- Align your project timeline with California's water resilience and climate adaptation priorities.
- Engage downstream communities early; strong stakeholder support strengthens applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when applicants don't clearly link projects to DWR condition assessments or climate resilience goals. Weak cost-sharing plans or lack of financial documentation are common rejection reasons. Poor community engagement and failure to address public safety messaging reduce competitiveness.
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