State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The Department of Homeland Security's United States Coast Guard is seeking applications from designated state authorities to fund comprehensive recreational boating safety programs designed to minimize loss of life, personal injury, and property damage on waterways. Eligible applicants must be the authorized state agency responsible for boating safety and may receive federal funding covering up to 50% of their total RBS program costs. The program supports activities across seven operational categories: Administration, Law Enforcement, Education, Navigational Aids, Boat Registration & Fees, Public Access & Construction, and Pass-Through Entity/Subawarding. Applications must include detailed program narratives, budget documentation, equipment lists, and performance metrics aligned with three strategic initiatives: positively influencing boater behavior, influencing boat and accessory manufacturers, and leveraging boating data. The application deadline is March 13, 2026, with the Notice of Funding Opportunity open since October 17, 2025, providing a 60-day minimum comment and submission window. The Coast Guard's Grants Management Branch will review applications for completeness and compliance, followed by programmatic review by the Program Management & Operations Branch.

The total estimated funding available for FY 2026 is approximately $129.1 million across 56 states and territories, with individual state allocations ranging from $910,450 (Wyoming) to $12.3 million (Florida) based on registered vessel counts and prior-year expenditures. The performance period for all grants is one year (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026), with no extensions permitted. Grant recipients must submit quarterly financial reports within 30 days of each quarter's end, a Certification of Numbered Vessels by January 31st, and a comprehensive Annual Performance Report by December 31st. Activities will be conducted primarily within each applicant state's jurisdiction, supporting on-the-water law enforcement patrols, safety education programs, equipment procurement, and navigation aid systems.