National Nonprofit Organization Grant Program

Up to 5% of available grant funding may be distributed to national nonprofit organizations.

Eligibility

Nonprofit public service organizations do not have to be boating-related. Any organization meeting the following qualifications is eligible to apply.

1. It must be a nongovernmental organization. (City, County or State governments or municipalities, for example, are not eligible).
2. It must be accorded a non-profit organization tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3).
3. It has the ability to provide public boating safety benefits that are national in scope or dimension. It must demonstrate that its benefits will be effectively extended nationwide, extending beyond a state or region. A national membership base does not suffice.
4. It must be primarily in existence to provide “public service” and serve the general public. Fraternal, lobbying or religious organizations are not eligible.

EXCLUSIONS: The following organizations are not eligible for funding: (1) colleges and universities; (2) hospitals; (3) governments or governmental organizations; (4) churches; (5) municipalities; (6) local units of national organizations; and (7) organizations that do not have an impact at the national level

Notice of Funding Opportunity

When posting the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the Division of Boating Safety may include 'Areas of Interest" in order to prioritize funding toward various recreational boating safety initiatives.

To view the current NOFO visit www.grants.gov then Search for "Recreational Boating Safety" or "97.135".

RBS Guidelines for Multimedia and Print Media Grant Deliverables (Revised September 2022)

Key Dates and Time:

Application start date: May 09, 2025
Application Deadline: June 18, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM EST - Open
Award Date: NLT 9/30/2025, contingent on availability of funds

Grant Awards & Archives

Current Year Nonprofit Organization Grants
List of Nonprofit Organization Grants