National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program
🏛 United States Coast Guard
Can you apply?
This grant is for national nonprofit organizations focused on recreational boating safety. Applicants must provide RBS services across all U.S. regions or have a detailed plan to partner with organizations that do.
Organizations can qualify in three ways: they currently serve all regions, they have the capacity to do so, or they propose specific partnerships to achieve national coverage.
Projects must be national in scope. Local or regional-only organizations cannot apply unless they establish partnerships to extend services nationwide.
State and local governments are not eligible. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits with demonstrated recreational boating expertise can apply.
This grant is for national nonprofit organizations focused on recreational boating safety. Applicants must provide RBS services across all U.S. regions or have a detailed plan to partner with organizations that do.
Organizations can qualify in three ways: they currently serve all regions, they have the capacity to do so, or they propose specific partnerships to achieve national coverage.
Projects must be national in scope. Local or regional-only organizations cannot apply unless they establish partnerships to extend services nationwide.
State and local governments are not eligible. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits with demonstrated recreational boating expertise can apply.
Program description
The mission of the National RBS Program is to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience by implementing programs designed to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while cooperating with environmental and national security efforts via cooperative agreements with nonprofit organizations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for national nonprofit organizations focused on recreational boating safety. Applicants must provide RBS services across all U.S. regions or have a detailed plan to partner with organizations that do.
Organizations can qualify in three ways: they currently serve all regions, they have the capacity to do so, or they propose specific partnerships to achieve national coverage.
Projects must be national in scope. Local or regional-only organizations cannot apply unless they establish partnerships to extend services nationwide.
State and local governments are not eligible. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits with demonstrated recreational boating expertise can apply.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Regional Service Map or Partnership Plan
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status
- Letters of Support from partner organizations
Program contact
- 👤 Cynthia Dudzinski Lead Grants Management Specialist
- 📧 cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil
- 📞 5716082233
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 97.135 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 97.135). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2020 | $5,540,748 | |
| 2021 est. | $6,215,348 | |
| 2022 est. | $5,897,202 | |
| 2023 | $6,248,078 | |
| 2024 | $5,641,121 | |
| 2025 est. | $6,195,859 | |
| 2026 est. | $6,797,048 |
FAQ
Can a regional nonprofit apply if it partners with other organizations?
Yes. You must demonstrate a specific plan and timeline showing how partnerships will deliver services across all regions.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $600,000. Funding varies by project scope and geographic reach.
What activities does this grant support?
Programs that reduce boating-related injuries, deaths, and property damage through safety education and outreach.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 7, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost sharing is required. 100% federal funding is available for approved projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your track record serving multiple regions or your ability to build partnerships quickly. Reviewers prioritize demonstrated capacity.
- Include letters of support from partner organizations if you're proposing a multi-state approach. Specific commitments strengthen competitiveness.
- Focus on measurable outcomes: lives saved, injuries prevented, or participation numbers. The Coast Guard values data-driven results.
- Align your activities with Coast Guard priorities: reducing fatalities, improving compliance, and supporting environmental protection.
- Budget realistically for national coordination. Include costs for multi-state training, travel, and partner management.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations can't prove national service capacity. Vague partnership plans without signed agreements weaken competitiveness. Weak evaluation metrics make it hard to measure program success.
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