State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program - DHS-USCG-STATE-2026

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program is administered by the United States Coast Guard under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This program supports state governments in implementing and enhancing recreational boating safety efforts. It is a key component of the national effort to reduce boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and aligns with the broader mission of the Coast Guard to ensure maritime safety and security. The grant program operates under Assistance Listing 97.012 for Boating Safety Financial Assistance. This funding opportunity is classified as a cooperative agreement and is mandatory in nature, meaning that only specifically designated entities are eligible to apply. According to the program guidelines, applications are restricted to state governments, specifically to the designated state authority or agency responsible for boating safety programs. Entities that are not officially designated under federal statute will have their applications rejected outright. Funding from the State RBS Grant Program may be used to support a wide range of boating safety initiatives, including public education, law enforcement training, search and rescue coordination, waterway marking, and data collection. However, applicants must comply with the allowable use policies defined by the Coast Guard, and the program is governed by specific cost-sharing requirements. A matching contribution is mandated by statute, although the exact ratio is not specified in the synopsis and may vary by jurisdiction or fiscal year. For the FY2026 cycle, the expected number of awards is 56, aligning with the 50 U.S. states and additional territories or jurisdictions. The award ceiling is set at $10,000,000, with no minimum award floor explicitly stated. The program’s total funding pool is not provided in the current notice, and applicants should consult their Coast Guard grant contact for more specific funding allocations. Applications were initially due by December 17, 2025, but the deadline has been extended to January 6, 2026. Given the annual nature of this program and references to the 2026 cycle, it is considered a recurring grant opportunity. Based on the posted schedule and the nature of federal budget cycles, the next expected application cycle is anticipated in January 2027, and the program should be monitored for updates at least by December 1, 2026. The application process is conducted through Grants.gov, and applicants must ensure they are registered and submit all required documents by the current closing date. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers are required. For technical assistance or questions about the application process, Cynthia Dudzinski, the Lead Grant Management Specialist, is listed as the primary contact and can be reached at 571-608-2233. The grant opportunity is currently in the application stage and is open to eligible state agencies nationwide. It provides crucial financial assistance to bolster the safety infrastructure of the nation’s recreational waterways and supports the United States Coast Guard’s mission to minimize risks to boaters across the country.

Ensure program narrative aligns with budget; only include feasible projects; clearly justify and prorate shared-use equipment.