Feature Story

February 2021

USA Swimming Awards Funds to Local Swimming Committees

Now in its second year, USA Swimming's Athlete Leadership Summit Grant Program has awarded funds to more than 20 local swimming committees (LSCs), totaling $18,000 of allocated funding. LSCs must support the program with a matching amount equal to at least 50% of the money awarded by USA Swimming.

The purpose of the Athlete Leadership Grant is to help local swimming committees create athlete leadership programs for high school-aged athletes to grow the athlete leadership structure at a local level. The program was spearheaded by the Athletes' Executive Committee in 2020.

How does it work? Local swimming committees can apply for grants up to $2,000, and preference is given to LSCs that support the program with an even matching amount, though matching amounts only need to reach a minimum of 50% of the money requested. So, for example, if a committee requests $1,000 from USA Swimming, it must match the grant with a minimum of $500, but would get preference if it matched the grant with $1,000.

The funding can be used for expenses related to hosting athlete leadership programs, including meeting space, facilitators, meals, transportation, lodging and supplies.

In 2021, Athlete Leadership Grants were awarded to the following LSCs: Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New England, New Jersey, Niagara, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pacific, San Diego Imperial, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeastern, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Learn more about the program at www.usaswimming.org/about/lsc-governance#athlete-leadership-summit-grant.