United States Coast Guard · Department of Homeland Security

National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

Done for this year — next round expected · Opportunity DHS-USCG-NONPROFIT-2026 · Assistance Listing 97.135

Deadline: Done for this year · next round expected Jun 5 – Jul 7, 2027
Award size: $50K – $600K
Total available: $6.6M · about 30 awards
Cost share / match ?: Not required · Work out your budget and match
Who can apply: Nonprofit with 501(c)(3)
Where: Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee

This year's round is over

Last round: Jun 5 – Jul 7, 2026, as the funder posted it.

Next round, expected: Jun 5 – Jul 7, 2027. The funder hasn't announced it yet. GrantMe projects it from last year's dates, so check the official page as it gets closer.

Use the time now: get grant-ready, read last year's guidelines, and add the expected dates to your calendar.

Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Grant-ready checklist

How this fits you

Available in Unicoi County (nationwide program)
No cost share required

Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.

About this grant

The mission of the National RBS Program is to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience by implementing programs designed to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while cooperating with environmental and national security efforts via cooperative agreements with nonprofit organizations.

Eligibility (from the notice)

Only projects determined to be national-in-scope are allowable. Applicants must meet one of three definitions: (1) the ability to provide RBS services in all regions per Appendix A: Grant Regional Map; (2) currently providing recreational boating services in all regions; or (3) proposing a specific plan and timeline to partner and/or contract with other national, state, and/or local organizations across all regions to provide RBS services.

Should we apply? (2-minute check) Ask a partner for a letter

Writing the need statement? Unicoi County facts with citations.

About the program (97.135)

National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program — Nonprofit RBS Program

How applications are judged

Not Applicable.

Matching requirements

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Examples of funded projects

Not Applicable.

Program listing on SAM.gov

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Key facts