Courtesy: USA Swimming
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 2022 USA Swimming Foundation Learn-to-Swim Grant applications for lesson providers are now open. Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2021.
The USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, has awarded more than $6.6 million since 2007 to help fund youth learn-to-swim programs across the country via its more than 1,500 verified swim lesson providers. In 2021, the USA Swimming Foundation awarded $509,913 to 69 youth learn-to-swim programs. For the first time in 2022, the USA Swimming Foundation will also award grants to programs focused on adult learn-to-swim efforts.
Earlier this year, U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) moved its fundraising efforts for adult learn-to-swim programs from its Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to the USA Swimming Foundation, bringing all learn-to-swim fundraising efforts under the USA Swimming Foundation. U.S. Masters Swimming will continue to own and administer adult learn-to-swim curriculum and certification for instructors, as well as provide resources to programs offering adult lessons throughout the United States.
Youth Grant Program
To be considered for the 2022 Youth Learn To Swim Grant, applicants must be an approved USA Swimming swim lesson provider in good standing and provide a detailed project budget and program narrative within the grant application. The 2022 USA Swimming Foundation Youth Learn to Swim Grant Guidelines can be found here and the grant application can be found here. Funding will be provided to programs directly benefiting children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to swim.
The application to join the USA Swimming swim lesson provider network can be found here for those interested in future funding opportunities.
Adult Grant Program
To be considered for the 2022 Adult Learn To Swim Grant, applicants must be willing to register as a USMS club or workout group, provide opportunities for eligible adults to participate in USMS programs upon readiness, and present a detailed project budget and program narrative within the grant application. The grant application can be found here. Funding will be provided to programs directly benefiting adults who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to swim.
With separate requirements for youth and adult learn-to-swim grant applications, USA Swimming will host a series of webinars to walk applicants through the process of applying for a grant. Visit https://www.usaswimming.org/coaches-leaders/team-leaders/learn-to-swim-grants to register for these events. Recordings of these webinars will be made available online.
Youth Application Webinar: Wednesday, October 27, 11:30 a.m. MT (1:30 p.m. ET)
Adult Application Webinar: Thursday, October 28, 11:30 a.m. MT (1:30 p.m. ET)