USF: Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

NOTE: Register as a USMS club/workout group, and adult learn to swim instructors will be required to register as USMS members, at the time of award acceptance.
The USA Swimming Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming entered a 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.
Funding
Funds are intended to expand current programming to reach under-served and under-represented populations and communities that would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to swim. Funding can be used to supplement direct program costs such as pool/lane rental or scholarships (free or reduced-cost) for participants. Grant proposals should indicate expansion to the current scope of service, inclusive of any outreach programs. The maximum ALTS Grant award per organization is $5,000.

Eligibility

Requirements:Program must have a valid Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) under which they do businessProgram must serve adults ages 18 and over
Program must adhere to the following:Instructors and lifeguards hold current CPR and First Aid certifications

Maximum 3:1 student-to-instructor ratioMinimum four (4) hours in-water instruction which supports, at a minimum, acquisition of the following skills:Step or jump into deep water and return to the surface;
Swim 25 yards to the exit;
Exit from the pool;Program has and maintains throughout the grant calendar year, current liability insurance for swim lessons operations with the following minimum limits, or be self-insured:Each Occurrence: $1,000,000
General Aggregate: $3,000,000Program maintains formal, practiced Emergency Action Plans for each location or program site
Program operates in pool facilities regulated by the Department of Health or similar governing agencyParticipants who complete the Program should be provided an opportunity to continue swimming with a USMS program

Ineligibility

The USA Swimming Foundation will not accept:Applications seeking funding for any purpose other than adult swim lessons, to be utilized for lane/space rental or instructor fees.Adult Learn to Swim Grant funds are not intended to provide budget relief, support facility overhead, construction or renovation, aid in the purchase of material goods (including equipment, apparel, etc.), or be used for advertising, promotional, or marketing purposes.Applications requesting funds for re-granting or gifting purposes.Applications which request funding for a program that does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements as outlined above or intends to provide services for individuals or groups that are not eligible for membership in USMS (e.g., participants under the age of 18 years).