Aquatic Center Grant Program
Aquatic Center Grant Program supports California aquatic education providers with equipment, training, events and scholarships to expand on-the-water instruction and improve basic boating safety.
Funder: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Due Dates: October 24, 2025 at noon (2025–26 deadline) | September 18, 2026 (2026–27 opening) | October 30, 2026 at noon (2026–27 deadline) | October 7–8, 2026 (Directors’ Meetings)
Funding Amounts: $1,336,999 awarded in 2025–26; individual awards ranged from $750 to $62,000
Summary: Supports California aquatic education providers with equipment, scholarships, training and events that expand on-the-water boating safety education.
Key Information: Funding is reimbursement-only; applicants must have sufficient funds to cover expenses while awaiting payment.
Description
The Aquatic Center Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). It supports organizations operating in California that offer on-the-water training to improve basic boating safety. The program aims to strengthen boaters’ knowledge of boating laws, practical vessel handling, weather and water conditions, rules of the road, equipment requirements and environmental stewardship.
Grants support vessels and related safety equipment, portable storage and docking equipment, training, events and scholarships. Scholarships make basic, non-competitive boating safety courses more affordable for individuals and groups, including students with disabilities. DBW favors comprehensive, cost-effective instruction, programs serving underserved populations, and locations where boating is prevalent but educational opportunities are limited.
