New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming Initiative (NY SWIMS)

The New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative is a capital grant program aimed at expanding access to safe swimming facilities across New York State. Launched in 2024 under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative responds to public health needs such as drowning prevention—especially for children aged 1-4—and climate resilience by providing swimming infrastructure that mitigates risks during extreme heat events. It is jointly overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). NY SWIMS specifically targets Municipalities and Not-for-Profit Entities seeking capital support for swimming facility development. The 2025-2026 State Budget allocates $50 million to NY SWIMS Round 2, combined with residual funds from Round 1 to total no less than $53 million for award. Eligible applicants may receive between $250,000 and $10 million in funding, with a mandatory 20% match requirement. At least $25 million is earmarked for projects in underserved communities, defined using multiple indices such as poverty levels, Disadvantaged Community designations, and regional recreational need scores. Grant funds must support capital expenditures only and can be used for acquisition, demolition, construction, renovation, or modernization of swimming facilities, along with eligible amenities. Ancillary features like splash pads or concession stands may be reimbursed but cannot exceed 10% of the total grant. Applications are assessed through a three-step evaluation. Step One confirms applicant and project eligibility based on organizational type and proposed project scope. Step Two uses structured worksheets to evaluate community need and project planning, with only applications scoring 20 points or more proceeding. Step Three reviews project impact and viability, assigning up to 60 additional points based on qualitative community benefits, construction readiness, and financial completeness. Applications must score at least 70 points in total to be considered for funding. The submission process includes completing a detailed application (Appendix 1), including multiple worksheets, project budgets, site control documentation, and evidence of financial match. Not-for-Profit Entities must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) before submission. All applications must be emailed to [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. ET on October 30, 2025. No late applications will be accepted, and incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible. Key dates include the RFA release on August 12, 2025, a webinar on September 3, and a final application deadline on October 30, 2025. Awards will be announced no earlier than December 15, 2025, and successful applicants must enter into a non-negotiable Grant Disbursement Agreement with DASNY. No funds will be disbursed until the agreement is fully executed. This funding opportunity is recurring and highly competitive, with an emphasis on regional diversity and service to underserved populations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all appendices, particularly the scoring matrix and GDA prerequisites, and to use the GIS Grants Map tool to assess their project’s community need designation.

Ensure prequalification is completed early; only one application per applicant allowed; all financial documentation must demonstrate full project funding.