As part of our commitment to Keeping Athletes First and providing opportunities and resources to promote excellence in Maine swimming, the MESI 2021 - 2022 CLUB LEARN TO SWIM & WATER SAFETY COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANT PROGRAM is established to provide aid to Maine swimming registered clubs in good standing who are in need of financial assistance to facilitate a Learn to Swim program or Community Outreach event(s). MESI clubs may apply for funding for the following categories:
LEVEL 1 | Learn to Swim programming
LEVEL 2 | Community Outreach events (i.e. Water Safety Days)
TIERS | Total aid disbursed will not exceed $8,000 for the 2021 - 2022 fiscal year ending August 31, 2022.
Funding will be broken down into the following tiers:
TIER 1 | Partially or completely offset the cost for families who participate in the Learn to Swim program and/or Community Outreach event(s)
TIER 2 | Partially or completely offset the cost of training and/or certifying Learn to Swim Instructors
TIER 3 | Partially or completely offset the cost of pool rentals and associated fees for Learn to Swim program and/or Community Outreach event(s)
ELIGIBILITY | In order to be eligible to apply for this financial assistance, clubs must:
● Be currently registered and in good standing with MESI;
● Provide a detailed plan (budget, schedule, curriculum, etc.)
● Show proof of application for any and all local, state, and federal assistance including, but not limited to, USA Swimming Foundation, Make A Splash, Y-USA Swim Lesson grants, etc. if eligible;
● Disclose the amount and type of any and all funds received through local, state, and federal assistance including, but not limited to, USA Swimming Foundation, Make A Splash, Y-USA Swim Lesson grants, and any other grant/loan opportunities;
● Provide a comprehensive viability plan, including an amended budget reflecting the use of received and/or expected grants and other available resources.
APPLICATION REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS | Requests will be considered individually with strongest consideration given to those requests that demonstrate the greatest financial need as determined by the Finance Committee. In evaluating applications, the Finance Committee will consider the following:
● If clubs have achieved Safe Sport Club Recognition status;
● If clubs have achieved USA Swimming Club Recognition status;
● If clubs have provided a detailed plan (budget, schedule, curriculum, etc.);
● If clubs have certified instructor(s)/will be certifying instructors;
● If clubs are providing these opportunities to communities with a demonstrated and ongoing need; and
● If clubs have received outside funds and/or have identified opportunities and initiated plans to secure additional funds through local, state, and federal assistance.