SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has announced the opening of its 2026 grant cycle for organizations that provide on-the-water boating safety education. Approximately $1.4 million in Aquatic Center Education Program grants is available this year, with funding aimed at local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and colleges or universities operating within the state. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 24, at noon.
The competitive grants are designed to strengthen recreational boating safety across California. Funding can be used to purchase boating equipment and supplies, provide student scholarships for hands-on boating courses, offset the costs of instructor training, and support boating safety-related events.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review eligibility requirements in the FAQs on DBW’s website before applying. All applications must be submitted through the division’s online system, where proposals will be ranked and scored based on their ability to effectively teach boating safety. Considerations include instruction in boating laws, vessel handling, weather and water conditions, and other essential knowledge for safe recreation on California waters.
Grant recipients are expected to be notified in early 2026. DBW administers the program with funding from the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Recreational Boating Safety Grant, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Since the late 1970s, DBW has distributed roughly $30 million through this program, awarding an average of 35 to 40 grants annually.
To assist applicants, DBW also hosts yearly in-person meetings with aquatic center directors. This year’s meeting will take place October 1 and 2, 2025, at Lake Tahoe Community College, offering guidance on crafting strong, competitive proposals.
Additional details and application resources for the Aquatic Center Education Program are available on DBW’s website.
