As 2025 begins, Step Into Swim, an initiative dedicated to fostering water safety and creating lifelong swimmers, has officially opened applications for its annual grant program. With a proven track record of supporting swim instruction across the U.S., Step Into Swim aims to make an even bigger impact this year by funding swim lessons for communities in need.
The Lifesaving Impact of Swim Lessons
Learning to swim isn’t just a recreational skill—it’s a lifesaving one. Research shows that swim lessons from qualified instructors can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children aged 1–4. Recognizing this, Step Into Swim has prioritized funding swim programs to ensure children and adults alike have access to professional instruction.
Since its inception, Step Into Swim has funded over 330,000 swim lessons. While this milestone is significant, the initiative remains steadfast in its mission to provide even more lessons, ensuring safety and confidence in the water for generations to come.
Partnering with Leading Swim Programs
Step Into Swim collaborates with an impressive roster of partners, including YMCA locations, USA Swimming programs, Jewish Community Centers, state parks, school districts, and the American Red Cross, among others. These partnerships enable the program to extend its reach and provide funding where it is most needed.
How to Apply for a Step Into Swim Grant
Swim lesson providers looking to make a difference can now apply for a grant to fund their programs. The application process, hosted through One Cause, is straightforward and designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Registration: Providers begin by registering through the One Cause platform.
- Application & Agreement: Applicants complete the grant application and agreement, ensuring all required fields are thoroughly addressed. These documents can be reviewed in advance via downloadable PDFs available on the program’s website.
- Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Providers will receive an email notification regarding the status of their application, whether approved or denied.
- Initial Funding (80%): Approved applicants will receive 80% of their funding within three to four weeks of approval.
- Program Execution & Reporting: Providers utilize the funds to offer swim lessons and submit a grant report within one month of completing their program.
- Final Funding (20%): Once the report is approved, the remaining 20% of the funding is released, completing the grant cycle.
Supporting a Safer Future
Step Into Swim’s grant program is more than just funding; it’s an investment in safer communities. By enabling organizations to offer swim lessons, the program directly addresses drowning prevention and promotes water safety awareness.
“We are thrilled to kick off another year of supporting water safety initiatives,” said Jillian Wilkins, Step Into Swim Manager. “Our mission is far from over, and we’re excited to see the continued impact these grants will have in creating confident, safe swimmers.”
Apply Today
If you’re a swim lesson provider looking to join this impactful mission, now is the time to act. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so early submission is encouraged. For more information, including downloadable resources and FAQs, visit the Step Into Swim website, apply online, or contact Jillian Wilkins directly for more information.
Together, through partnerships and dedication, Step Into Swim is making waves in water safety—one swimmer at a time.
