FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Swimming Teams?

Explore effective fundraising strategies, grants, and sponsorships tailored for swimming teams. Boost community support and financial success!

Top 5 grants for Swimming Teams nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Swimming Teams. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

USA Swimming Foundation Learn-to-Swim Grant

USA Swimming Foundation

$5,000

Foundation

Funding for youth learn-to-swim programs across the country. Aims to help fund programs directly benefiting children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to swim.

Apply

Community Impact Grant

USA Swimming

$5,000

Foundation

Grant to expand opportunities and access to swimming for all communities. Focuses on creating partnerships, supporting diverse-led clubs, and partnering with HBCUs.

Apply

Step Into Swim Grant

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Varies

Foundation

Funding to support swim lessons and water safety initiatives in communities across the United States. Aims to create more swimmers and reduce drowning rates.

Apply

All Kids Play Youth Sports Grant

All Kids Play

Varies

Foundation

Grants for families in need and non-profit organizations in low-income communities to support youth sports participation, including swimming, for kids in grades K-12.

Apply

Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation Grant

Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation

Varies

Foundation

Funding for water safety awareness and education initiatives, including support for free or low-cost swim lessons for children in need.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Swimming Teams nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Swimming Teams efforts.

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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Swimming Teams

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%
Not publicly disclosed

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for eligible charities only

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

Platform fees
$0
Not publicly disclosed
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
No platform fees
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
N/A
4.1/5
4.5/5
4.7/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
N/A
4.2/5
4.6/5
4.7/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
N/A
3.9/5
4.3/5
4.8/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Swimming Teams in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Swimming Teams.

1

Swim-a-Thon Challenge

Organize a Swim-a-Thon where team members collect pledges for laps swum. Use online platforms to track progress and automate donation collection. Engage the community by live-streaming the event and providing real-time updates on social media.

2

Custom Team Gear Marketplace

Create an online store selling customized swim team merchandise like caps, towels, and goggles. Partner with a print-on-demand service to minimize upfront costs. Offer limited-edition designs for special events or milestones.

3

Virtual Swim Clinic Series

Host a series of online swim clinics featuring professional swimmers or coaches. Offer tiered access levels, from basic technique sessions to personalized coaching. Use a video conferencing platform with breakout rooms for individualized attention.

4

Aquatic Fitness Challenge Month

Launch a month-long aquatic fitness challenge open to the community. Participants track their swimming or water exercise activities using a mobile app. Secure sponsorships from local businesses for prizes and promote through local gyms and community centers.

5

Synchronized Swimming Gala

Organize a spectacular synchronized swimming gala featuring performances by the swim team and guest artists. Sell tickets, offer VIP packages, and include a silent auction of unique aquatic experiences or memorabilia.

6

Swim Team NFT Collection

Create and sell a limited edition NFT collection featuring digital artwork of team members, historic moments, or abstract aquatic themes. Partner with a crypto-friendly platform to manage minting and sales.

7

Eco-Friendly Swim Gear Drive

Partner with sustainable swimwear brands to offer eco-friendly swim gear bundles. For each bundle sold, a portion goes to the swim team and another portion to ocean conservation efforts. Market the campaign as a way to support both local athletes and global environmental causes.

8

Underwater Photo Exhibition

Host an underwater photography exhibition showcasing artistic shots of swimmers in action. Collaborate with local photographers and use a specialized underwater camera rig. Sell prints and offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.

9

SwimTech Innovation Hackathon

Organize a hackathon focused on developing innovative swimming technologies. Partner with tech companies and universities to provide mentorship and resources. Charge entry fees and offer prize money for the best innovations, which the swim team can potentially use or license.

10

Virtual Swim Around the World Challenge

Launch a virtual challenge where participants collectively swim the equivalent distance of circumnavigating the globe. Use a dedicated app to track progress, share milestones, and accept donations. Incorporate virtual 'pit stops' at famous swimming locations worldwide with educational content.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the best fundraising ideas for swim teams in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">The best fundraising ideas for swim teams in 2025 combine traditional methods with digital innovation. Swim-a-thons remain a popular choice, where swimmers collect pledges for laps completed. Online crowdfunding platforms, particularly Zeffy, offer an efficient way to reach a wider donor base. Virtual challenges, like a '30-day swim challenge,' can engage supporters remotely. Merchandise sales, featuring team-branded swimwear or gear, can be lucrative when sold through e-commerce platforms. Lastly, partnering with local businesses for percentage nights or sponsorships can provide steady income. Remember to leverage social media to promote these efforts and consider using AI-powered tools for personalized donor outreach. The key is to diversify fundraising methods to maximize engagement and donations.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can swim teams use online platforms for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">In 2025, swim teams can leverage online platforms effectively for fundraising by focusing on user-friendly, mobile-optimized solutions. Zeffy stands out as the top choice for its comprehensive features and zero platform fees. Other options include GoFundMe for its wide reach and Classy for its robust reporting tools. These platforms allow teams to create compelling campaign pages, accept various payment methods, and easily share across social media. Implement peer-to-peer fundraising features to empower team members to raise funds individually. Utilize data analytics provided by these platforms to track donor behavior and optimize campaigns. Consider integrating with CRM systems for better donor management. Live-streaming capabilities can be used for virtual events or to showcase swim meets, adding a personal touch to online fundraising efforts. Remember to maintain consistent branding and messaging across all online channels for a cohesive fundraising strategy.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are effective strategies for swim team donor retention in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Effective donor retention strategies for swim teams in 2025 focus on personalization and impact demonstration. Implement a tiered communication plan, segmenting donors based on giving history and preferences. Use AI-powered tools to tailor messages and suggest optimal donation amounts. Regularly share success stories and progress updates through email newsletters and social media, highlighting how donations directly benefit swimmers. Offer exclusive 'behind-the-scenes' content or virtual meet-and-greets with team members to high-value donors. Implement a robust thank-you program, including personalized videos from swimmers. Consider creating a donor recognition wall, both physical and digital. Engage donors beyond monetary contributions by inviting them to volunteer or attend events. Utilize data analytics to identify giving patterns and proactively reach out before typical donation times. Remember, donor retention is crucial as it's more cost-effective than acquiring new donors, with a 5% increase in retention potentially leading to a 25-95% increase in donor lifetime value.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can swim teams organize a successful Swim-a-Thon fundraiser in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Organizing a successful Swim-a-Thon fundraiser in 2025 requires a blend of traditional elements and modern technology. Start by setting clear goals and creating a dedicated event page on Zeffy or another fundraising platform. Utilize social media and email marketing to promote the event, sharing swimmer profiles and training updates to build excitement. Implement a peer-to-peer fundraising strategy, empowering swimmers to create individual fundraising pages. Use gamification elements like leaderboards to foster friendly competition among participants. Live-stream the event for remote supporters and consider incorporating virtual participation options for increased inclusivity. Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or in-kind donations to cover event costs. Use mobile-friendly pledge forms and QR codes for easy on-site donations. After the event, promptly share results, thank donors, and demonstrate impact. According to USA Swimming, Swim-a-Thons can raise significant funds, with some teams earning over $10,000 in a single event. Remember to register your Swim-a-Thon with the USA Swimming Foundation to access additional resources and support.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the latest trends in digital marketing for swim team fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Digital marketing trends for swim team fundraising in 2025 emphasize personalization, multi-channel engagement, and data-driven strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront, enabling hyper-personalized donor communications and predictive analytics for campaign optimization. Video content, especially short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, is crucial for engaging younger donors. Augmented Reality (AR) experiences can offer unique ways to showcase swim team achievements and donor impact. Voice search optimization is becoming increasingly important as more people use smart speakers and voice assistants. Micro-influencer partnerships, particularly with local swimming personalities, can extend reach and credibility. Blockchain technology is emerging as a tool for transparent fund management. Mobile-first design remains critical, with over 50% of nonprofit website traffic coming from mobile devices. Lastly, cause-related marketing partnerships with brands aligned with swimming or youth sports can provide additional exposure and funding opportunities. Stay agile and ready to adapt to new platforms and technologies as they emerge in the digital landscape.</div>