Grant funding for underwater ROVs

Public Safety & Search and Rescue

For sheriff, fire, SAR and dive teams. Who can apply differs from program to program, so start with the one that fits your agency.

• Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP, UASI, Operation Stonegarden) (FEMA). Underwater ROVs are on FEMA's Authorized Equipment List (03OE-07-UMVS). You apply through your state or UASI, and any use other than port security needs a written FEMA waiver. The FY2026 window is closed.
• Port Security Grant Program (FEMA). Port-area agencies can request an underwater ROV for port security. A cost share applies. The FY2026 window is closed.
• Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) (FEMA). Open only to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS and state fire academies. A fire-department water-rescue team may request an ROV, but law-enforcement dive teams are not eligible. ROVs are not on the AFG equipment list, so a request needs its own justification. Check eligibility.
• Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) (DOJ). Can pay for law-enforcement equipment such as an ROV, on an annual cycle. Agencies not on DOJ's allocation list apply through their state's JAG agency: ACJC in Arizona, BSCC in California, or the Governor's Public Safety Office in Texas.
• Recreational Boating Safety grants (U.S. Coast Guard). Coast Guard boating-safety funds go to your state's boating agency, which may pass them to local marine units as equipment grants.
• California Boating Safety & Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) grant (CA Division of Boating and Waterways). For local government agencies. Allowable items include search and rescue equipment and dive gear, but ROVs are not named. The next round opens March 2027. Check eligibility.
• Arizona State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) (Arizona State Parks). FY27 currently shows no funds available. Contact Arizona State Parks before applying. Check eligibility.
• Arizona Law Enforcement & Boating Safety Fund (A.R.S. 5-383) (State of Arizona). Paid to eligible counties for boating law enforcement personnel, equipment and training. Check eligibility with your county.
• Walmart Spark Good Local Grants (Walmart). Small grants of $250 to $5,000 for government entities. Best suited to accessories or training, not a full system.

Before you apply, answer these 5 questions:

1. What problem are you solving?
2. How would an ROV help?
3. Who benefits?
4. What would the funding cover?
5. Does the project fit the grant's requirements?

Universities & Research

For labs, field stations and research institutions.

• Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) (National Science Foundation). Universities can request a commercially available multi-user instrument such as an ROV. A new FY2027 solicitation is expected, so watch NSF for the deadline.
• National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA). Sea Grant funds research through your state's Sea Grant program, so an ROV would need to be part of a funded research project. Check your state program's call for proposals.
• Grants.gov (Federal). Search current federal funding opportunities by keyword and agency.

Before you apply, answer these 5 questions:

1. What problem are you solving?
2. How would an ROV help?
3. Who benefits?
4. What would the funding cover?
5. Does the project fit the grant's requirements?

Environmental & Marine Exploration

For conservation groups, agencies and exploration projects. Community foundations and local corporate sponsors are also worth asking.

• Coral Reef Conservation Program funding (NOAA). Supports coral reef conservation, research and management capacity. Check eligibility/unverified for ROV purchases.
• Conservation grant programs (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation). Competitive grants to protect fish, wildlife and habitats. Check eligibility/unverified for ROV purchases.
• Ocean Exploration funding (NOAA). Not a fit right now. It isn't accepting proposals, and no reopening date has been announced.

Before you apply, answer these 5 questions:

1. What problem are you solving?
2. How would an ROV help?
3. Who benefits?
4. What would the funding cover?
5. Does the project fit the grant's requirements?

How we help

• Spec sheets for your application
• A quote on Poseidon Robotics letterhead for your budget justification
• The Midway datasheet. Midway is $29,500.

Program details change every year. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and allowable costs with the funding agency.