Spring Reach Out Grant Applications Due March 25

Susan Huckeby

The Montana Swiming spring 2026 Reach Out Grant applications are due March 25. Submit applications via email to Susan Huckeby. The application form is posted under the DEI tab and then under the Reach Out Grant drop down tab.

 

What is the Reach Out Grant Program?

The Reach Out Grant program is a grant program funded by Montana Swimming beginning in October 2017. 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. 

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).

Grant program funding: $5000 per year -- awarded in two grant periods one in the fall and one in the spring, $2500 per period. The grant periods will be announced on the Montana Swimming website.

Overseen by: Montana Swimming Diversity, Disability, Equity, and Inclusion Chair (DDEI) who heads a committee who receives, reviews, and awards all grants. Committee membership includes the LSC Diversity, Disability, Equity, and Inclusion Chair, MT Swimming Finance Vice Chair, and one of the elected Montana Swimming Athlete Representatives.

Applications must be submitted by MT Swimming member clubs.

Grant program final reports and any photos submitted will be posted on the website.

Possible grant ideas could include learn to swim programs for low income or ethnic minorities or disabled children; meet fee assistance for low-income athletes; scholarships for outreach members; purchase training equipment for eligible athletes; provide team shirts, caps, goggles, and parkas for scholarship swimmers; low-cost swim lessons; low-cost team memberships; water safety programs, Make a Splash programs, and recruit and retain swimmers from minority groups in your area.

The grant is not for club operation costs.

Clubs and organizations requesting support from Montana Swimming must submit a written program plan which includes a purpose, plan description, budget, schedule, funding requested from Montana Swimming, other sources of funding, and manpower expectations. The committee then evacuates the requests based on the following criteria:

  • Fulfillment of the USA Swimming outreach program mission, which is to provide opportunities in swimming to the underrepresented and economically disadvantaged 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

Offering an LSC grant program to our member clubs is a great way to encourage clubs to think outside the box of ways to attract and retain swimmers on their clubs. Plus, it gives clubs some funding to reach out and try new ideas and make something happen in their community.  If we believe in big dreams and excellence and we want our teams to grow, then we need to find ways to reach into the community and make a difference. The USA Swimming Foundation reaches out to ethnic minorities and low-income families teaching children how to swim to prevent drowning deaths. This program will encourage similar things in Montana Swimming. Big Sky! Big Dreams! Big Success!