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:
The application window for HBCU Grants runs from mid-October to mid-December, with awards announced in early spring of the subsequent year.
The HBCU Grant is a yearly renewable grant awarded in either $5,000 or $10,000 increments. This grant is aimed at revitalizing aquatic programming within diverse communities.
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 who do not have and are interested in starting a youth water safety lesson program can qualify for a $5,000 grant. An additional $5,000 may be awarded to HBCUs interested in starting or have an existing university-based swim club.
Grant dollars must be utilized directly towards competitive swimming or youth learn to swim costs. Outside of these parameters, grant dollars are unrestricted.