FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Swim with Mike Foundation change lives?

Advanced education enhances lives by offering an opportunity for individuals to pursue their professional dreams, regain independence, and build self-esteem after a life-changing injury or illness. A Swim With Mike Foundation scholarship provides the foundational support for scholarship recipients to fully realize their ambitions, achieve personal success in the classroom and in the world, and mentor others that follow in their footsteps.

How do I make a general donation to the Swim with Mike Foundation?

We welcome your support for the Swim With Mike Foundation General Scholarship Fund. You may make a donation by visiting our Donate page here.

How do I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?

Honor a special friend, family member or colleague for their birthday, anniversary, graduation, or career milestone with a gift of support to the Swim With Mike Foundation. Memorial gifts are also welcomed to honor a deceased family member, friend, or colleague. You may make a donation and designate it is an honor or memory gift by visiting our Donate page here. The printable donation form for gifts by mail is located on the Donate Page.

Are gifts tax deductible? Is the form 990 available to view on the Swim with Mike website?

Yes, all gifts to the Swim With Mike Foundation are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our Tax ID # is 85-4007132.

The form 990 is available to view here

What is a fundraising campaign leader? How do I support an existing campaign?

We welcome you to start or join a fundraising campaign as your participation is vital to continuing the Ripple Effect as the Swim With Mike Foundation began over 40 years ago with grassroots fundraising. To learn more about how to join a campaign, click here.

How does one qualify to receive a Swim With Mike Scholarship?

The Swim With Mike Foundation supports college scholarships for student-athletes who have participated in organized, competitive, or club youth, high school, or collegiate athletics and subsequently sustained a life-changing accident or illness (e.g. paralysis, blindness, cancer, amputation, and head injuries).
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Scholarship recipients must meet the admissions standards at a four-year college or university.

What is the Swim With Mike Foundation's affiliation with the University of Southern California?

Although, the Swim With Mike Foundation is now an independent foundation and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we share a 40-year relationship with the University of Southern California. The Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund was established at USC in 1981 as a result of a successful fundraiser initiated by All-American swimmer and USC National Championship team member, Ron Orr, to benefit his lifelong friend and three-time All-American USC Swimming teammate, Mike Nyeholt, who was suddenly paralyzed in a motorcycle accident.

The first swim-a-thon, Swim For Mike, was created to raise funds to purchase a specially equipped van for Mike to continue his studies at USC. The event was immensely successful and funds raised far exceeded the amount needed for Mike's van. At the request of Mike to fulfill his vision, USC established the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund. The mission was to provide financial resources for higher-education to pave the way for physically challenged student-athletes to overcome their tragedies and realize their full potential. In 2000, Swim With Mike extended its scholarship support to applicants at multiple universities nationwide.

We are grateful that USC has been a supportive partner and is the location for our annual event, Swim With Mike, held at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center.