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.
YOUTH LEARN TO SWIM GRANTS
USA Swimming Foundation Youth Learn to Swim Grants are intended to expand existing programming and support opportunities for children who otherwise would not participate in swimming lessons for the purpose of acquiring the life saving skill of swimming. Awarded funds may be used by the swim lesson program to offer free or reduced-cost swimming lessons and/or support transportation to/from the swim lesson location(s).
The application window for Youth Learn to Swim Grants runs from mid-October to mid-December, with awards announced in early spring of the subsequent year. Interested applicants MUST be an approved provider within the Swim Lesson Provider Network prior to November 1. Click here to learn more about the Swim Lesson Provider Network.
ADULT LEARN TO SWIM GRANTS
The USA Swimming Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming entered into a new philanthropic partnership to create greater support for learn-to-swim efforts. In January 2021, U.S. Masters Swimming moved its fundraising efforts for adult learn-to-swim programs from its USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to the USA Swimming Foundation. Bringing all learn-to-swim fundraising efforts under the USA Swimming Foundation umbrella creates a greater generational impact by providing swim lessons to people of all ages.
The Adult Learn to Swim Grant Application is open to all swim instructors, facilities and programs that want to help make more adults safer around water, with a goal to reduce adult drowning risk through education, financial support and community outreach. The program's hope is that once adults learn to swim or improve their swimming skills, they will have the confidence and desire to continue swimming in a Masters Swimming program and experience the lifelong benefits of swimming.
