Grant supports efforts to offer free or reduced-cost swim lessons
Des Moines, Iowa – (May 14, 2025) – The YMCA of Greater Des Moines was chosen as one of 33 adult programs in 24 states, from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in 2025. The grant award will go toward the Y’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons. This year, the USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $725,000 in its initial round of funding to programs across the country.
Adult Learn to Swim programs are essential to drown-proof our community and provide a healthy fitness avenue for adults. With this funding from the USA Swimming Foundation, the Y will continue to ensure adults in our community develop skills to enjoy a life-long fun and healthy activity.
The USA Swimming Foundation vetted more than 470 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 81 youth and 33 adult programs to receive funding.
“The USA Swimming Foundation is honored to continue impacting local communities across the country so they can provide swim lessons for both youths and adults,” said USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Elaine Calip. “As we work towards an exciting 2028 home Olympic Games in Los Angeles, we are reminded that every current and future Olympic swimmer started out by putting their goggles on and learning how to swim. These grants provide an opportunity for future athletes and fans of our sport to dive in and enjoy being safe around the water.”
Millions of individuals have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation’s network of swim lesson providers, comprised of more than 1,500 qualified lesson providers across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.
Click here for a full list of 2025 USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients. Click here to donate to the Foundation.
For more information on swimming at the Y, visit www.dmymca.org/swimming.