Big news for accessible boating programs in Maryland
Attention nonprofits that provide accessible boating opportunties! Do you know that the Maryland Boating Fund provides grants to eligible nonprofits delivering sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, service-disabled veterans, and their companions (accompanying family members or direct support professionals)?
The program is administered through the Maryland Department of Disabilities, which has set an application window of July 8 to August 7, 2026. A Q&A webinar will be held July 13 at 11 a.m. (no registration required).
Grants of up to $40,000 may be awarded to such organizations, and funds may be used for any training, operations, or equipment costs. To qualify for a grant, an organization must: 1) be a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit and a registered charity in good standing with the State of Maryland; 2) have been continuously operating for at least three years, and 3) must have actively engaged individuals with disabilities or service-disabled veterans in boating/water activities on Maryland waters at least 25 times in each of the past three years.
The grant project period is October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Award funds may be used retroactively to cover expenses between July 1 and October 1, 2026. For more information contact [email protected].
