[United States Coast Guard](https://www.uscg.mil/)

December 17, 2025

Up to $10,000,000 per award; 56 awards anticipated; cost share required

Supports state authorities/agencies in implementing programs to minimize boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities while promoting safe recreational boating.

Only designated state authorities/agencies are eligible; not open to the public or other organizations.

--- ## Description This program provides financial assistance to designated state authorities or agencies for the development, implementation, and enhancement of recreational boating safety (RBS) programs. The goal is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on U.S. waterways and to provide the public with a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Funding supports a range of activities, including boater education, law enforcement, navigational aids, vessel registration, and public access/construction projects, all in alignment with the National RBS Program’s strategic plan. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: December 17, 2025 - Anticipated award notifications: No later than March 31, 2026 (rolling approvals) - Period of Performance: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per state: $10,000,000 - No minimum award amount - Total expected program funding: Approximately $129,143,906 - Number of anticipated awards: 56 - Cost sharing/matching is required: The federal share may not exceed 50% of the total program costs incurred by the state for its RBS program in the fiscal year. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only the designated state authority or agency, as determined by federal statute, may apply. This program is not open to the public, local governments, or other organizations. - **Maximum number of applications:** 56 (one per eligible state/territory) - **Cost sharing requirement:** States must provide at least one-half of the total cost of their RBS program; the federal grant will reimburse up to 50% of eligible expenditures. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360762). - Required documents include: - Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) - Budget Information (SF-424A or Budget Tool) - Equipment List Template - Assurances (SF-424B for non-construction, SF-424D for construction) - Budget Information for Construction (SF-424C) and site/area maps if applicable - Program Narrative (responding to specific bullet points in the NOFO) - States must be registered in [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/) and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). - Applications are reviewed for completeness and programmatic merit, with rolling approvals. - Award documents are issued after interagency transfer of funds is complete. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost share:** States must track and report all eligible expenditures; the federal share reimburses up to 50%. - **Allowable costs:** Boater education, law enforcement, navigation aids, vessel registration, public access/construction, and related administrative costs. - **Unallowable costs:** Matching for other federal grants, lobbying, and prosecuting claims against government entities. - **Reporting:** Quarterly financial reports (SF-425) and annual performance reports are required. - **Pre-award costs:** May be claimed if incurred within 90 days prior to the award, with USCG approval. - **No period of performance extensions** are allowed. - **Program income** must be used for allowable RBS activities and expended within the project period. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Announcement](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360762) - [FY26 State RBS NOFO (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26%20State%20RBS%20NOFO%20(2025-10-17).pdf) - [RBS Program State Guide](https://uscgboating.org/grants/state-grants-rbs-program.php) - [National RBS Program Strategic Plan 2022-2026](https://uscgboating.org/about-us/national-recreational-boating-safety-program-strategic-plan.php) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Cynthia Dudzinski | Lead Grant Management Specialist | [Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil](mailto:Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil) | 571-608-2233 |

State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

Sign in to see full grant listing