Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS USCG NONPROFIT 2025
The National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program is a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the United States Coast Guard (CFDA 97.135) to support nationwide recreational boating safety efforts. The overarching goal of the National RBS Program is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on Americas waterways while promoting a safe and enjoyable boating experience for the public. In addition to preventing incidents, the program is designed to strengthen nonprofit participation in boating safety and encourage more consistent, uniform approaches to safety education and outreach across the country.
Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, which generally means the Coast Guard expects to have substantial involvement during the period of performance (for example, coordination on project activities, oversight, and alignment with national RBS priorities). Awards can be as large as $750,000, and the Coast Guard anticipates making about 35 awards under this notice. The opportunity was created on May 9, 2025, and the original application deadline is June 18, 2025.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, and institutions of higher education are specifically excluded. A key requirement is that applicants must be able to deliver RBS services at a national level. The notice emphasizes that applicants must demonstrate they meet at least one of three definitions of being "national-in-scope" (with the details referenced as being on page two of the NOFO). In practical terms, this suggests the Coast Guard is looking for organizations whose programming, reach, partnerships, or service delivery extend beyond a single state or local area and can credibly influence boating safety outcomes across broader regions or nationally.
Overall, this grant opportunity is aimed at funding nonprofit-led initiatives that measurably improve recreational boating safety nationwide, align with Coast Guard safety objectives, and help standardize effective boating safety practices across the US.Apply for DHS USCG NONPROFIT 2025
- The United States Coast Guard in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.135.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-05-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-06-18. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program?
The National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program is a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the United States Coast Guard (CFDA 97.135) to support nationwide recreational boating safety efforts.
What is the main goal of this grant program?
The overarching goal of the National RBS Program is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on America's waterways while promoting a safe and enjoyable boating experience for the public.
What kinds of outcomes is the program intended to support?
The program is intended to support efforts that measurably improve recreational boating safety nationwide, help prevent incidents, and promote more consistent and uniform approaches to safety education and outreach across the United States.
Who is offering this funding?
This funding opportunity is offered by the United States Coast Guard.
Is this a formula grant or a discretionary opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity.
What is the assistance listing / CFDA number for this program?
The opportunity is identified as CFDA 97.135.
What award mechanism is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this award is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement generally means the Coast Guard expects to have substantial involvement during the period of performance, such as coordination on project activities, oversight, and ensuring alignment with national RBS priorities.
How much funding can an organization receive?
Awards can be as large as $750,000.
How many awards does the Coast Guard expect to make?
The Coast Guard anticipates making about 35 awards under this notice.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on May 9, 2025.
What is the application deadline?
The original application deadline is June 18, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.
Are institutions of higher education eligible?
No. Institutions of higher education are specifically excluded.
Does the program require national-level service delivery?
Yes. A key requirement is that applicants must be able to deliver recreational boating safety services at a national level.
What does "national-in-scope" mean for this opportunity?
The notice emphasizes that applicants must demonstrate they meet at least one of three definitions of being "national-in-scope" (referenced as being on page two of the NOFO). In practical terms, the Coast Guard is looking for organizations whose programming, reach, partnerships, or service delivery extend beyond a single state or local area and can credibly influence boating safety outcomes across broader regions or nationally.
Do applicants have to meet all three "national-in-scope" definitions?
No. The notice states applicants must demonstrate they meet at least one of the three definitions of being "national-in-scope."
What types of projects are a good fit for this grant?
The opportunity is aimed at nonprofit-led initiatives that improve recreational boating safety nationwide, align with Coast Guard safety objectives, and help standardize effective boating safety practices across the United States.
Is strengthening nonprofit participation in boating safety part of the program purpose?
Yes. The program is designed to strengthen nonprofit participation in boating safety and encourage more consistent and uniform approaches to safety education and outreach across the country.
Is the focus only on responding to incidents, or also on prevention?
The program emphasizes prevention by aiming to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to prevent incidents through safety education and outreach.
Will the Coast Guard be involved during the project period?
Yes. Because the funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, the Coast Guard expects substantial involvement such as coordination on project activities, oversight, and alignment with national RBS priorities.
Does the opportunity emphasize consistency and uniformity across the country?
Yes. The opportunity highlights a goal of encouraging more consistent, uniform approaches to boating safety education and outreach across the United States.
Is the program intended to impact boating safety nationwide rather than locally?
Yes. The notice repeatedly emphasizes nationwide recreational boating safety efforts and requires applicants to be able to deliver RBS services at a national level.
What should applicants be prepared to demonstrate in their application?
Based on the notice summary provided, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status and show that they meet at least one definition of being "national-in-scope," meaning their work extends beyond a single state or local area and can influence boating safety outcomes across broader regions or nationally.
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