State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program
🏛 United States Coast Guard
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for designated state authorities and agencies responsible for recreational boating safety. Only official state entities can apply, not private organizations or individuals. Applications must come from the authorized state agency as determined by federal statute. Geographic scope is all U.S. states and territories, with each state having one designated applicant authority.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
This program is not open to the public. Eligibility is determined by federal statute. Applications can only be accepted from the designated state authority or agency.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Work Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Proof of Cost-Share Commitment
- State Authority Authorization Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Cynthia Dudzinski Lead Grants Management Specialist
- 📧 cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil
- 📞 5716082233
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 97.012 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$12,054,713
-
$10,606,007
-
$10,261,564
-
$7,368,925
-
$7,050,388
-
$7,020,124
-
$6,000,000
-
$5,443,096
-
$5,301,792
-
$4,984,420
Top States by Funding
- FL 3 awards $32.9M
- MI 3 awards $21.4M
- MN 4 awards $15.4M
- CA 3 awards $15.3M
- WI 4 awards $15.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 97.012). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2017 | $113,048,728 | |
| 2018 | $108,811,049 | |
| 2019 | $110,134,520 | |
| 2020 est. | $113,553,583 | |
| 2021 est. | $109,554,485 | |
| 2023 | $121,834,450 | |
| 2024 est. | $118,104,023 | |
| 2025 est. | $123,905,473 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only designated state authorities and agencies authorized by federal statute. Private nonprofits, businesses, and individuals cannot apply.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $400,000 to $12,000,000 depending on project scope and state need.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required as part of the application. Your state authority must confirm matching funds.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is October 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline.
What activities does this fund?
This program supports recreational boating safety initiatives at the state level, including education, equipment, and safety enforcement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your state's designated boating authority early to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
- Cost-sharing is mandatory; ensure your state has matching funds committed before applying.
- This is a cooperative agreement, which means ongoing communication with USCG will be required.
- Document all safety initiatives and enforcement activities your state plans to conduct.
- Align your proposal with national boating safety priorities and USCG strategic goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a non-designated entity. Only the official state authority can submit applications. Underestimating cost-sharing obligations or failing to secure matching funds before submission. Submitting vague safety plans without specific, measurable outcomes for boating safety improvements.
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