MT Swim Fall Reach Out Grant Applications Due October 9

Susan Huckeby

The Montana Swimming reach out grant application period is open, and applications are due October 9 to Susan Huckeby.

Applications can be found under the DEI/Disability tab on the Montana Swimming website or by contacting Susan or can be found here. Montana Swimming awards a total of $5000 for the grant -- in the spring ($2500) and fall ($2500). 

The purpose of the Montana Swimming Reach Out Grant Program is to increase multicultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic diversity as well as encourage those who are disabled to participate in all levels of the sport of competitive swimming. Montana Swimming wants to encourage swimmers to achieve excellence in and out of the pool through this innovative grant program.

It is intended that this grant will be used to reach out to underrepresented groups - including ethnic minorities, low-income outreach persons, LGBTQ, and disabled persons - in the overall community. Applicants must be registered as a team/club of Montana Swimming.

Disability is defined by USA Swimming rules as a permanent physical or cognitive disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Application for disability grants should conform to disabilities as recognized under the USA Swimming rules article 105. Disabilities include legally blind or visually impaired (not simply needing glasses to see); deaf or hearing impaired; physical disabilities (such as dwarfism, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, limb deficiencies, wheelchair bound with high functioning upper body, non-ambulatory (wheelchair bound), and limited use of extremities); and intellectual/ cognitive disabilities (such as severe learning disorders, Downs Syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder).

Submission Instructions

  • Please type or write clearly on the form.
  • Include up to two additional pages, if needed, to include any other information relevant to your grant application. The two-page limit does not include the requested additional budget information or the paint a picture of your team essay. 
  • Limit the entire grant application submittal to 8 total pages plus the requested budget information and the paint a picture essay.
  • Please answer all of the questions.
  • Please submit your application and any questions to:

Montana Swimming Diversity, Disability, Equity & Inclusion (DDEI) Reach Out Grant Committee, Susan Huckeby, chair, at:  shuckeby@msn.com You may also contact Susan by phone with questions at 406-491-4698.

The application deadlines for the upcoming registration year are October 9, 2024, and March 26, 2025. 

Grant applications will be reviewed by the committee. Applicants may be asked to interview with the committee or submit written answers to additional questions. Successful grant applicants must e-mail a report detailing the program, how the funds were used, and outcome of the program to Susan Huckeby by September 10, 2025.

Montana Swimming Reach Out Grant Evaluation Criteria:

The committee evacuates the requests based on the following criteria:

  • Team membership in Montana Swimming (required)
  • Fulfillment of the USA Swimming outreach program mission, which is to provide opportunities in swimming to the underrepresented, economically disadvantaged and disabled youth in the United States.
  • Fulfillment of the Montana Swimming mission, which is united in service, achieving excellence in and out of the pool.
  • Benefit to the athletes and their families.
  • Innovation.
  • Likelihood of success including past successes.
  • Groups the grant will benefit.
  • Benefit to your team.
  • Benefit to your community.
  • Benefit to Montana Swimming.
  • Other sources of funding.   
  • Other criteria as determined by the committee.