State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the United States Coast Guard (USCG), is a federally mandated initiative designed to improve safety on the nation’s waterways. It aims to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities related to recreational boating by funding state-administered programs that promote boating safety. Established under 46 U.S.C. §§ 13101–13110 and funded through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, this cooperative agreement enables all U.S. states and territories to build and sustain comprehensive boating safety programs. The strategic direction of the program aligns with the National RBS Program’s goals, which include influencing boater behavior, engaging manufacturers, and leveraging data to prevent fatalities and injuries. The program awards funding to 56 designated state boating agencies, as required by statute. Only officially designated authorities or agencies from each state are eligible to apply. The anticipated total federal funding for FY 2026 is approximately $129,143,906. States are required to match federal awards with at least an equal amount of spending, although line-by-line matching is not necessary. Federal reimbursements may account for up to 50% of a state’s total expenditures on its boating safety program. These funds can be spent per the state's discretion within the boundaries of the RBS program’s requirements. Allowable costs span a wide range of activities, including education, law enforcement, administrative support, navigational aid maintenance, public access development, and equipment purchases directly related to boating safety. States submit applications via Grants.gov, with an opening date of October 17, 2025, and a final deadline of January 29, 2026. The USCG reviews applications on a rolling basis. While there is no requirement for pre-applications or letters of intent, the submission must include multiple standard forms and program-specific attachments. These include the SF-424, SF-424A or Budget Tool, equipment lists, narrative responses tailored to prescribed program categories (e.g., education, law enforcement, administration), and assurances. Additional materials, such as maps and site plans, are mandatory for states proposing construction projects. The budget must reflect reasonable estimates and align with the program narrative. Once applications are programmatically approved, the final award process begins following the interagency transfer of funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior to the Coast Guard. Final award documents are issued as trust funds become available, with official awards typically processed by March 31, 2026. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Award recipients must comply with extensive reporting requirements, including quarterly financial reports and an annual performance narrative and statistical data submission. Performance extensions are not permitted, and unused or unliquidated funds must be returned at closeout. Contact for this grant is Cynthia Dudzinski, Lead Grant Management Specialist, reachable at [email protected] or 571-608-2233. Additional guidance and required templates are accessible through the Grants.gov portal and the USCG State RBS Program site. The program is recurring annually, and applicants should prepare for upcoming cycles by monitoring the USCG website and Grants.gov for updates and allocation estimates.

Ensure alignment between narrative and budget; only include achievable activities; use correct budget calculations.