USF: HBCU Grant

The USA Swimming Foundation's HBCU Grant program is a $1 million initiative aimed at enhancing swimming opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2021, the program provides annual grants of $100,000 over ten years, supporting youth water safety lessons and university swim clubs. This initiative is designed to empower HBCUs to expand their aquatic programming, fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming across diverse communities nationwide.

In 2021, USA Swimming announced a grant program focused on creating a 10-year, $1 million initiative to develop learn-to-swim and competitive opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Under this initiative, USA Swimming has committed to providing up to $100,000 annually to support swimming programming at HBCUs over the next ten years, for a total commitment of up to $1 million.
USA Swimming’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Grants aim to revitalize aquatic programming within these diverse communities throughout the country.
These $5,000 to $10,000 grants support three main focal areas:

• HBCUs interested in starting youth water safety lessons;
• HBCUs with existing university-based clubs; and
• HBCUs interested in starting university-based swim clubs.

Eligibility

Federally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities interested in starting, maintaining, or expanding their aquatic programming are eligible to apply.HBCUs must meet one of the following criteria:HBCUs interested in starting youth water safety lessons;
HBCUs with existing university-based clubs; or
HBCUs interested in starting university-based swim clubs.Grant dollars must be utilized directly towards competitive swimming or youth learn to swim costs.

Ineligibility

USA Swimming Foundation HBCU 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.