Swim teams require special equipment for swimming meets.
Believe it or not, there really are grants for swimming pools. The federal government funds grants which are paid through the states to the counties, cities or other local entities for swimming pools used by the public. In addition, there are privately-funded entities in many geographic areas, such as organizations that promote swim teams and their competitions. Do not overlook these local and regional funding sources. Some grants help the pool owner obtain a pool, others assist with maintenance or equipment expenses and others help offset operating losses, for instance.
Outdoor Recreation Grants
All 50 states and the agencies appointed by each state's governor to prepare and maintain the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan qualify for federal funding to acquire and develop outdoor projects for public recreation. This agency may apply on behalf of cities, counties and park districts. Indian tribes qualify for funding as well. The plan includes swimming pool projects. Applicants may apply under the Outdoor Recreation-Acquisition, Development and Planning program, under the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. The funds, specifically for outdoor recreation projects, may not apply to indoor swimming pools. The pool must be open to the general public and not just for certain groups. Favor goes to basic facilities -- not elaborate plans.
Grants for Operation of Qualified High-Risk Pools
The Grants to States for Operation of Qualified High-Risk Pools operates through the Department of Health and Human Service's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, (CMS). It offers grants to states that operate a high-risk pool that incurred a operating loss during a fiscal year. Each swimming pool applying must meet specific federal requirements to qualify for funding to offset its loss. Use form SF-424 and related forms available from the CMS for applying. No formulas or matching requirements apply to this grant.
Virginia Graeme Baker Grants
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act enacted the State Grants on Pool and Spa Safety. For a state to apply for a Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) grant, it must have a statute that requires all residential pools to have safety barriers such as a 4-foot fence. Door alarms or a pool safety cover are required if the home serves as one of the side barriers surrounding the swimming pool. In addition, all pools must have an entrapment prevention device. The Centers for Disease Control administers the grants.
Local and Private Grants
No grant search is complete without considering local and private funding sources. Check your area for sources of grant funding. An example is the Pacific Swimming Pool Improvement Program grants. Eligibility depends on the pool being available for use by a registered Pacific Swimming team and be available for swimming activities, team functions and swim meets with Pacific Swimming sanctions. Funds may be used for capital improvements to a swimming pool. Applicants must prove need for the project and the club's inability to fund the work or find funding to have the work completed. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 each per year. Submit applications by April 1 each year. Grant awards disburse to the club or pool owner in July, and all work must be completed by the end of that calendar year.
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