National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program
This grant supports nonprofit organizations in promoting recreational boating safety, reducing accidents and injuries, and collaborating on environmental and security initiatives.
Funder: United States Coast Guard
Due Dates: June 5, 2026 (applications open) | July 7, 2026 (applications due)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$600,000 per award; ~$6,592,499 total; 25–35 awards; 12-month project period
Summary: Supports national-scope nonprofit projects that advance recreational boating safety and reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on U.S. waterways.
Key Information: No cost share required; only 501(c)(3) nonprofits eligible; projects must be national in scope.
Description
This program funds national nonprofit organizations to develop and implement projects that improve recreational boating safety across the United States. The goal is to reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths among recreational boaters through education, outreach, standards development, research, and other safety initiatives. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) partners with nonprofits via cooperative agreements, providing federal support for activities that have measurable, nationwide impact and align with the National Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program's strategic plan.
Funded projects may include cross-sector partnerships, development of safety standards, life jacket wear studies, national outreach campaigns, officer training, stakeholder collaboration, livery risk assessment, and more. Applicants are encouraged to address one or more of the program's areas of interest.
