Bend Swim Club Needs-Based Financial Assistance Program

The Bend Swim Club is an Oregon non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose purpose is to promote and provide a competitive swimming experience for all age groups and levels and to provide an opportunity to engage in a lifesaving, lifetime sport. The Bend Swim Club strives to make its program accessible to all who are prepared and interested in competitive swimming. This includes athletes that may -- as a result of income constraints -- be unable to participate. This is why the Bend Swim Club offers a needs-based Financial Assistance Fund to provide assistance to qualified members.

Bend Swim Club Financial Assistance Fund

The Bend Swim Club Financial Assistance Fund is a dedicated fund that supports needs-based financial assistance to qualifying members. The Fund is used to help ensure competitive swimming opportunities and participation in the Bend Swim Club are accessible to all including those with limited ability to pay. Through this fund, ongoing financial assistance in the form of regular dues reductions are provided to swimmers of families with demonstrated financial hardship. The fund may also be used to support the cost of participation in some swim meets.

Application and Qualification

  1. Families must reapply annually.
  2. To be considered, all households must complete and submit the financial assistance application form and demonstrate financial needs as described below.
  3. Eligibility is based on household income and number of people in the household. Priority is given to families who qualify for assistance programs including SNAP, TANF and Oregon Health Plan, or whose incomes are at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  4. Acceptable documentation includes the award letter for assistance programs identified above or current 1040 Federal Income Tax Return.
  5. All financial assistance application material will be kept confidential. Only those who review applications will have access to the application and supporting material.

Financial Assistance Review and Award

  1. Financial assistance applications will be reviewed by the Bend Swim Club Board of Directors (or Financial Assistance Committee or Designee) and awarded on a case-by-case, first-come, first-serve basis.
  2. A minimum of two (2) financial assistance awards will be granted each year. Depending on available funding, the Swim Club may award financial assistance for up to 5% of total membership.
  3. Financial Assistance provides a 50% reduction in monthly dues for any group in the program. Families are responsible for paying additional fees including the remaining 50% of monthly dues, the annual USA Swimming registration fee, and entry fees and travel expenses to swim meets.
  4. A new financial assistance application form is required annually to be considered for continued financial assistance support. Dues are recalculated annually and may change. Any financial assistance award or dues reduction may have an annual cost increases to recipient(s). Renewals can not be guaranteed and will be based on the current year's application for assistance.

To learn more or apply, please complete this form.