charity

Financial Assistance & Community Resources

We believe every individual deserves access to safe, inclusive, and therapeutic aquatic programs. If cost is a barrier, we partner with community organizations and our sister nonprofit, Specialty Aquatic Charity, to help families access funding. We also encourage families to explore outside resources, as many agencies offer grants that support aquatic therapy, adaptive equipment, or swim programming.

Below is the step‑by‑step process to request assistance:

1. Complete Our Financial Assistance Application

This lets us know you are seeking support.

Financial Assistance Application Form 

Once submitted, our team will review your request and determine which local organizations, charities, or grant programs may be available to you.

We also value photographs and testimonials from scholarship families during lessons. These help demonstrate client progress and highlight the impact of community funding. When possible, we ask for permission to use these photos and testimonials to strengthen our impact statements and expand future grant opportunities.

2. Contact Additional Community Resources

We are fortunate to work alongside several agencies that help families access funding for aquatic programs. After completing our financial assistance form, we encourage you to reach out to the organizations listed below. Many families secure partial or full funding directly through these community partners.

Exploring these resources helps us understand what remaining support you may need.

3. Final Step: Specialty Aquatic Charity Review

If you still need assistance after completing our form and contacting the recommended agencies, we will bring your request to the Specialty Aquatic Charity Board for review. A 25% deposit of your total is requested as a good‑faith commitment to joining the program.

Your request will be presented one month prior to the semester start:

  • March for Spring

  • May for Summer

  • August for Fall

  • December for Winter

Funding is awarded on a semester‑by‑semester basis depending on available funds and the number of applicants.

For questions about scholarship policy or pricing, please contact diane@specialtyaquaticprograms.com.

Financial Resources: Learn to Swim & Therapeutic Aquatics

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

UHCCF offers medical grants of up to $5,000 per year (with a $10,000 lifetime maximum) for children 16 and under. Grants help pay for services and equipment not fully covered by commercial insurance, including:

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

  • Counseling

  • Surgeries and prescriptions

  • Wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses, cranial helmets, and more

Website: https://www.uhccf.org/

Emily Ann Griffin Foundation

A Michigan‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing financial assistance for:

  • Specialized equipment

  • Life‑enhancing experiences

  • Items not typically covered by insurance

Founded in memory of Emily Ann Griffin, the foundation has supported families since 2002 and is highly regarded by our team and the families they’ve helped.

Website: https://eagf.org/

Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST)

A Michigan‑based nonprofit offering:

  • Resources and educational support

  • Social programs and community events

  • Parent mentorship and family networking

DSST serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Washtenaw County and surrounding areas.

Website: Down Syndrome Support Team Website

Specialty Aquatic Charity

Our sister nonprofit foundation, established in 2024, provides scholarships, sponsorships, adaptive equipment, funding for aquatic professional education, therapeutic swim opportunities, and community events that make healing water accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. This charity is made possible through the generous support of our community.

As a nonprofit, we rely on ongoing donations, fundraisers, and volunteer board members.

Website: www.specialtyaquaticcharity.org

Sponsor a Swimmer

If you are a company or organization interested in sponsoring a child, adult, or senior for any of our programs or services, please contact: nicole@specialtyaquaticprograms.com

Financial Resources: Aquatic Fitness

Insurance & Partner Fitness Programs

Some health insurance plans offer membership coverage or discounted access to our Aquatic Fitness classes. Please check the back of your insurance card and contact your program directly to confirm eligibility. Below are our current partner programs:

PeerFit Move

Email: move@peerfit.com, Phone: 1‑855‑378‑6683, Benefit: Unlimited classes

Active & Fit

Website: activeandfitdirect.com, Phone: 844‑646‑2746, Benefit: Unlimited classes

Silver & Fit

Phone: 877‑427‑4788, Benefit: Unlimited classes

SilverSneakers & Prime

Website: silversneakers.com, Benefit: Free Tuesday class; Senior rate for all other classes

Renew Active / One Pass

Email: fitnessnetwork@optum.com, Benefit: 10 free classes per month


LEO, First Responders, Military & Teacher Discount

Specialty Aquatics is pleased to offer a 10% discount for First Responders, Military, Teachers, and their families for all programming. Please email diane@specialtyaquaticprograms.com with an ID that identifies your service field, and the discount will be applied to your account.