State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The State Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program is a funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard. The program supports state recreational boating safety efforts to minimize loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while ensuring safe and enjoyable boating experiences. The funding aligns with the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan for 2022–2026, which emphasizes influencing boater behavior, supporting manufacturers, and leveraging recreational boating data. Eligible applicants are limited to designated state authorities or agencies. This opportunity is not open to the public. Federal statute dictates eligibility and requires states to provide a cost share equal to or greater than the federal share of funding. States must report all eligible recreational boating safety expenditures to fulfill the cost-sharing requirement, and matching does not need to occur item-for-item. The total funding available for fiscal year 2025 is 123,905,473 dollars, awarded through cooperative agreements. Individual state allocations are determined based on an approved formula, with a period of performance starting October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Extensions to the period of performance are not allowed. Funds may be used for activities such as law enforcement, boating education, navigational aids, public access, boat registration systems, and other related initiatives. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by September 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, though states requiring pre-approval of programmatic documents are encouraged to apply by August 31, 2024. Applications must include standard forms such as SF-424, SF-424A or Budget Tool, and SF-424B, along with program narratives detailing activities, budgets, and anticipated outcomes. For projects involving construction or public access, additional forms like SF-424C, site maps, and area maps are required. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and compliance. The programmatic review will ensure alignment with statutory requirements, approved activities, and budget guidelines. Approved applications will be processed, and formal awards will be issued once federal funding transfers are complete. Award notifications are expected no later than March 31, 2025. Recipients must comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) and annual performance reports detailing program activities, statistical data, and outcomes. Closeout reporting is required within 120 days of the performance period end date. States that pass funds to subrecipients must monitor their compliance with federal guidelines under 2 CFR 200. The program requires states to maintain compliance with applicable federal regulations, including SAM.gov registration, civil rights obligations, and financial integrity standards. For further guidance, applicants can contact the USCG representative listed in the announcement or access program resources on the USCG Boating Safety Division’s website.