USA Swimming Foundation

Overview

The USA Swimming Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. It is dedicated to strengthening the sport of swimming by focusing on three core areas: Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities[1][3].

Mission

• Saving Lives: The Foundation prioritizes equipping children and adults with the life-saving skill of swimming. It supports learn-to-swim programs nationwide, partnering with swim lesson providers to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to swimming lessons. This initiative is crucial, as swimming is recognized as a lifesaving skill[3].
• Building Champions: The Foundation provides financial support to athletes on the U.S. National Team and other competitive swimmers. It aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented athletes from pursuing their swimming careers[3][5].
• Impacting Communities: In addition to its athletic support functions, the Foundation works to grow a diverse community of champion athletes by promoting competitive opportunities in underserved populations. It offers grants for learn-to-swim programming, scholarships, technology, equipment, and administrative support[3].

Programs and Initiatives

• Community Impact Grants: These grants focus on expanding swimming opportunities in traditionally underserved communities, supporting local swim teams and programs.
• HBCU Grants: The Foundation provides support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to enhance their swimming programs.
• Community Swim Teams: It helps develop community swim teams that can provide access to competitive swimming for those who may not have it otherwise[3].

Recognition

The USA Swimming Foundation has been recognized for its charitable work, earning a 4/4 Star rating and a 99% charity score on Charity Navigator[3]. This reflects its commitment to transparency and efficiency in achieving its mission.

Historical Milestones

In January 2021, U.S. Masters Swimming transferred its fundraising efforts for adult learn-to-swim programs to the USA Swimming Foundation, consolidating these initiatives under one umbrella to maximize impact across different age groups[3].

By aligning with USA Swimming's broader goals, the Foundation plays a critical role in promoting swimming as a sport that not only builds champions but also saves lives through its life-saving skills[1][3].