Michael Phelps Foundation

Focused on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy and active lives, especially for children.

Twenty-three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps established his foundation with a $1 million sponsor bonus he received for winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games. The foundation’s first initiative was a nationwide tour to share Michael’s message of “Dream, Plan, Reach” with Boys & Girls Club youth.

The foundation works with Boys & Girls Clubs to implement “im,” its signature learn-to-swim program designed to grow the sport of swimming and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, especially among children. Developed with KidsHealth.org and the Michael Phelps Swim School, im is based on the same basic techniques and principles applied by Michael throughout his swimming career.

Named for the Individual Medley, Michael’s signature event, and as an abbreviation to the self-affirming “I am,” the program launched in 2010 at six Boys & Girls Clubs, expanding to 28 Boys & Girls Clubs in 2012. Nearly 90 percent of participants are under age 12, the most at-risk age range for drowning. 

The Phelps Foundation provides support to Boys & Girls Clubs including financial assistance with overall program costs along with training, staffing, supplies, equipment, pool access and maintenance, and support materials such as posters, medals, member handbook and assorted prizes. 

For more information, visit michaelphelpsfoundation.org or facebook.com/MichaelPhelpsFoundation.