National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program is administered by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The USCG’s Boating Safety Division manages this program under the Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety. The initiative seeks to advance public safety, security, and enjoyment on the nation’s waterways through projects that reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities related to recreational boating. This funding opportunity provides cooperative agreements to national nonprofit organizations capable of executing initiatives that contribute to the National RBS Program’s objectives. The primary goal of this funding is to promote effective and nationally-scaled boating safety efforts by nonprofits. The three strategic initiatives guiding this program include influencing recreational boater behavior, working with manufacturers of boats and accessories, and leveraging data to enhance safety programs. Proposed projects must align with at least one of these strategic initiatives, though they are not required to directly cite individual elements from the RBS Strategic Plan. Applicants must either already operate across all defined national regions or present a feasible plan to achieve such coverage. The program will distribute approximately $6,195,859 in total funding for FY25, with an anticipated 25 to 35 awards. There is no defined award floor or ceiling, and cost-sharing is not required. Funding will be delivered through cooperative agreements, enabling substantial federal involvement throughout the period of performance. Eligible applicants must be nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, and must not be affiliated directly with any governmental body. While the organization’s core mission need not be focused solely on boating, they must demonstrate national-in-scope service capabilities per USCG definitions. Applications must include key documents such as an executive summary, a one-page organization description, a two-page project timeline, and a 15-page program narrative. Additionally, a combined Excel-based budget and narrative template must be used. Required supporting documents include IRS nonprofit designation, accounting system verification, indirect cost rate agreements (if applicable), and organizational policies. Applications missing any threshold documents will be disqualified. Submissions are due via Grants.gov by June 18, 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on ten weighted criteria totaling a maximum of 130 points, including alignment with strategic initiatives, national reach, demonstrated need, feasibility, risk mitigation, impact, and budget clarity. Award notifications will occur no later than September 30, 2025, with performance beginning on October 1, 2025. Throughout the award lifecycle, recipients must adhere to federal performance and financial reporting requirements, including semiannual and quarterly updates, and may be subject to program evaluations and audits. The key contact for this opportunity is Cynthia Dudzinski, who can be reached via email at cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil.