Introduction
The USA Swimming Foundation is the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, supporting swimming education, athlete development and access to aquatic opportunities across the United States. Its mission centres on three priorities: Saving Lives, Building Champions and Impacting Communities.
For donors, swimming organisations and community partners, the foundation provides ways to support affordable swimming lessons, competitive participation and National Team athletes.
History and Background
The foundation was established in 2004 as a Colorado nonprofit corporation and supporting organisation of USA Swimming. Its charitable and educational activities encompass learn-to-swim grants, National Team support and assistance for swimming communities.
Youth learn-to-swim grantmaking began in 2007. In 2021, collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming expanded the foundation’s grant opportunities to include adult swimming instruction.
In 2023, Impacting Communities formally became part of its mission, reflecting efforts to expand competitive opportunities in traditionally underserved communities.
Mission and Purpose
The foundation aims to make swimming more accessible at every level, from introductory lessons to elite competition.
Its Saving Lives work helps children and adults access swimming instruction and water safety education. Building Champions supports National Team members, while Impacting Communities helps broaden participation and strengthen local swimming programmes.
This approach connects swimming skills with sporting opportunity, recognising that financial and organisational barriers can affect both access to lessons and continued participation.
Governance and Structure
The USA Swimming Foundation is a tax-exempt organisation under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Its federal tax identification number is 72-1581977. It publishes tax disclosures, audited financial statements and other financial resources.
A volunteer Board of Directors governs the foundation. Its published leadership includes Anne Berry as board chair, Mary Wayte as vice-chair, Elizabeth Beisel as secretary and Jay DeFinis as treasurer.
The foundation also makes its articles of incorporation, bylaws, governing policies and board meeting minutes publicly available.
Funding and Grants
The foundation’s fundraising channels include individual donations, major gifts, charitable partnerships, Champions Club participation and fundraising activities such as Swim-a-Thon. These provide ways for supporters to contribute to its charitable priorities.
As of 29 October 2026, applications for 2027 Youth and Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, Community Impact Grants and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grants are open through 15 November 2026.
Community Impact Grants provide US$5,000 to eligible USA Swimming member clubs, with potential annual renewal for up to three years. Applicants should review the current 2027 grant announcement and the separate requirements for their chosen programme.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Learn-to-Swim Grants
Youth and adult grants support programmes serving people who would otherwise lack opportunities to learn to swim. Funding is awarded to swimming lesson providers through a competitive application process.
Athlete Support
The foundation’s Building Champions activities include direct athlete assistance, athlete health and wellness, and Olympic and National Team support. These initiatives complement its work at the introductory and community levels of swimming.
Community Swimming and HBCU Support
Community Impact Grants help expand access to competitive swimming through local clubs and partnerships. The foundation also supports community swim teams and programmes connected with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The HBCU grant initiative supports youth water safety lessons and university-based swim clubs. In 2022, OneAmerica Financial committed US$1 million over ten years to help develop swimming and competitive opportunities through this work.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
In 2026, the foundation awarded US$1,025,000 to 122 swimming lesson providers across 36 states, following review of more than 470 applications. The funding was intended to provide approximately 13,500 people with access to swimming and water safety instruction.
The 2026 Community Impact Grant round awarded US$65,000 to 13 programmes. Recipients included the DC Wave Swim Team, City of Mobile Swim Association, Salem Swim Club and Northern Lights Swim Association Marlins. Funding supported aquatic programming, coaching diversity and local competitive opportunities.
The foundation’s website also reports cumulative investments of US$17.7 million in Saving Lives, US$14.2 million in Building Champions and US$4.4 million in Impacting Communities. These figures describe financial investment across its mission areas.
Conclusion
The USA Swimming Foundation combines swimming instruction grants, athlete assistance and community investment to expand access to the sport. Organisations seeking funding should select the relevant programme, confirm eligibility and explain how their activities will reach people facing barriers to participation.
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