Boating Safety Grants Program
Boating Safety Grants

The 2009 Boating Safety Grants application period is now open
Applications for 2009 are due by midnight, November 1, 2008

2009 Boating Safety Grant Application Guidelines

The Boating Safety Grant Program is designed to fund projects that educate the public about actions they can take to be safer while boating. We look for projects that reflect a unique and repeatable way to reach boaters with upbeat safe boating messages. We prefer projects that will extend on past our year of funding, though we will not provide funding for more than one year. Allowable expenses may include artwork, printing, mailing, educational materials, construction supplies, and other expenses directly related to your outreach activities.

The grant recipient is not required to provide matching funds. However, the Foundation requires that its grant represent at least 50% of a project’s overall budget. Proposals that include in-kind donations of product and/or time are encouraged. A grantee must keep accurate accounting records and must maintain the reporting schedule as specified in the grant agreement. Surplus funds are to be returned to the Foundation unless given prior approval to spend the funds on other projects.

For 2009, the Foundation is seeking grant proposals that educate boaters on the dangers of alcohol and boating. According to The Coast Guard’s 2007 Accident Statistics, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 21% of the deaths. Projects could include the production of signs, brochures or PSAs on the effects of alcohol on boaters. The Foundation is looking for grant proposals that use new and innovative ways of educating boaters. The emphasis for this focus topic is the use of positive messaging to reach boaters. For more information on the kinds of projects funded in the past, visit the Photo Gallery.

Who does the program fund?

  • Volunteer boating groups, clubs, and associations
  • Local non-profit/tax-exempt organizations, including chapters of national organizations.

Who does the program NOT fund?

  • Federal and State Government agencies
  • National or international organizations
  • For-profit businesses
  • Individuals

What types of projects are NOT eligible?

  • Capital improvement projects or general operating funds.
  • Money to start an organization.
  • Salaries, transportation, meals, lodging.
  • Debt repayment or reimbursement.
  • Funds are not usually awarded to sustain or repeat projects for an applicant. Multi-year projects or those that are likely to need additional funding in the future should be initially planned to become self-supporting.
  • Lobbying or political action.
  • Promotional or membership drives for businesses or clubs.
  • Projects solely intended to benefit a group's membership.
  • Generally, grants are not made for specialized training or equipment for grant recipient group members unless it can be shown that this training will benefit the general public.
  • While the program does occasionally fund purchases of equipment for educational or display purposes, requests for electronic hardware/software, website design, boats, motors, or other expensive boating gear is not likely to be funded.

Application Checklist

  • Carefully read the grant guidelines then complete all sections of the application form.
  • Be sure to include a detailed budget with your application.
  • Obtain any necessary permission from controlling authorities needed to complete grant.
  • The application deadline is midnight, November 1, 2008.
  • If you wish, you can send supporting materials (via mail or email) such as your organization's newsletter or examples of previous projects.
  • Applications with a majority of the project devoted to the focus topic, will be given preferential treatment.
  • If you want to include a proof of any printed materials you intend to produce with grant fund, you can send it via mail (see address below) or email to boatingsafety@boatus.com. (Being awarded a grant does not, however, indicate that the proof has received final approval).

General Information

  • You may submit proposals for more than one project.
  • You may request any amount of funds up to $4,000.
  • Applications (including supporting materials) will not be returned to you.
  • More about the grants read: Frequently asked questions

You have two options for submitting applications:

  1. Download a copy of the application in a Word document, complete and e-mail it to boatingsafety@boatus.com.
  2. Download a copy of the application in PDF format, print it out, complete by hand and mail to:
    Boating Safety Grants
    BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water
    147 Old Solomon's Island Rd., Suite 513
    Annapolis, MD 21401
If you have questions please e-mail them to boatingsafety@boatus.com
 
©2007, BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water