State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, solicitation DHS-USCG-STATE-2027, is a federal formula grant program administered by the United States Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security. The program is not open to the general public; eligibility is restricted to designated state authorities or agencies. Its primary objective is to minimize loss of life and injury in recreational boating through three strategic initiatives: influencing boater behavior, engaging boat and accessory manufacturers, and leveraging recreational boating data. Success is measured by the reduction of nationwide boating fatalities, the volume of on-water safety patrol and search and rescue hours, and the number of individuals completing state boating courses. For Fiscal Year 2027, the program has an estimated total distribution of 126,888,345 dollars across approximately 55 awards, with individual grants ranging from 780,000 to 12,400,000 dollars. Applicants must submit their proposals via Grants.gov by October 30, 2026, and must maintain an active SAM.gov account with a Unique Entity Identifier. Required submission materials include a program narrative using a specific template, a detailed budget, and an equipment list for items such as patrol boats, trailers, and radios. Award approval is handled programmatically on a rolling basis, contingent upon the receipt of trust funds via interagency transfer from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Recipients are subject to DHS Standard Terms and Conditions and must provide annual certifications and performance reports.