POOL SAFELY GRANT PROGRAM (PSGP) 2026

The FY26 VGBA Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP) provides $4 million to state and local governments, territories, and Indian Tribes for programs preventing child drowning and drain entrapment in pools and spas. Applicants can request $50,000 to $400,000, with only one application per entity. Eligibility requires an enacted or amended law meeting minimum safety standards, including barrier requirements for outdoor residential pools and spas, and specific drain features for newer pools. At least 25% of funds must be used for hiring and training enforcement personnel, with the remaining for education. CPSC training and communication materials, including an 8-part video, are mandatory for proposals. Grants are for a 2-year period, with a possible one-year extension. A 5-point funding preference is available for jurisdictions demonstrating a high risk of child drowning. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov and undergo a multi-step review process to assess eligibility and technical merit.

The FY26 VGBA Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP) offers funding to state and local governments, territories, and Indian Tribes for programs preventing child drowning and drain entrapment in pools and spas. Applicants can request $50,000 to $400,000, with approximately $4 million total available. A single application per entity is permitted. Eligibility requires demonstrating an enacted or amended state or local law meeting minimum safety standards, including barrier requirements for outdoor residential pools and spas, and specific drain configurations for newer pools and spas. At least 25% of funds must be allocated to hiring and training enforcement personnel, with the remainder for education programs, which must incorporate CPSC materials. Funding cannot be used for construction, alteration, or renovation of pools or spas. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov, and a funding preference is given to jurisdictions with higher rates of child drowning incidents.