USA Swimming, the national governing body for swimming in the United States, and its fundraising arm, the USA Swimming Foundation, have announced the 2025 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) grant applications are open through December 15, 2024. Click here to apply and learn more here.  

Created in 2021, HBCU grants aim to provide funding to start youth water safety lessons and expand university-based swim clubs. In 2022, OneAmerica Financial committed to supporting the USA Swimming Foundation through the 10-year, $1 million initiative to develop learn-to-swim and competitive opportunities in communities across the country. To date, nearly $185,000 has been provided to directly impact individuals and create opportunities at the local level.  

“We are thankful to OneAmerica Financial for their continued support to develop and promote opportunities at the local level,” said USA Swimming Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO, Shana Ferguson. “With their support and the work of the USA Swimming Foundation, we can make the greatest impact on those who have historically not had access to the sport of swimming and the lifesaving skill of learning to swim. The programs who receive a total of up to $100,000 in funding annually will work in conjunction with USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation to continue breaking down barriers and developing learn-to-swim and competitive opportunities across the country.” 

All funding is reserved for HBCU institutions, and applicants must present a W-9 budget form at the time of application.