— Our mission is to promote water safety, healthy living and the pursuit of dreams.
I have always embraced the idea that “anything is possible,” which helped propel my recording-breaking career and inspire the ambitions of swimmers and non-swimmers alike. But I did not become the best swimmer in history by myself or overnight. I had an integral support system of family, coaches, and a team to help encourage and challenge me as I realized my dream – to change the sport of swimming. However, throughout my decorated career, I observed many barriers, inequalities, and privileges. I recognized that water safety lessons and messaging are not universally available, access to aquatic programming and facilities are limited, the absence of a diverse representation of swimmers and staff, and the significant financial resources necessary to participate in the sport.
The Michael Phelps Foundation, led by my wife Nicole and me, is comprised of the same support system that helped guide my competitive career, aspires for everyone to have quality access and programming support across water safety, healthy living (physical and emotional wellness), and the pursuit of dreams. Established in 2008, our program offerings provide access to the same curriculum and principles that helped me. We have had a very successful decade at the Michael Phelps Foundation, and I am excited to see what the future holds for us as we continue to promote water safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams.
We couldn’t have done it without our supporters, and we thank every one of you.
Along with a coalition of strategic partners, the Foundation has provided a learn-to-swim, healthy living, and goal-setting curriculum to more than 200,000 people worldwide through the Boys and Girls Club of America and Special Olympics International. We know that facilitating change is not a one-person job; it takes a family, team, network, and communities to come together and challenge what is by showing what can be. Together, anything is possible. Please meet the family…
Working to promote healthy, active lives, especially for children, primarily by expanding the opportunities for participation in the sport of swimming. Make a Donation
Swimming offers a wide variety of benefits beyond competition – from everyday health and wellness to recreational and leisure activities – and, most importantly of all, learning to swim is a life-saving skill. That being said, there are several barriers to entry for individuals – from fear of the water to lack of access to proper instruction – to experience the benefits of swimming. Our signature program, IM, was developed in partnership with Nemours KidsHealth.org and Michael Phelps Swimming the im Program is a multi-faceted offering of learn-to-swim, recreational aquatic activities, organized swim training, as well as health, wellness, and goal-setting programming that is implemented through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International. Find out More About The IM Program Learn the ABCs and 123s of Water Safety.
Overcoming fears, facing adversity, and developing goals are valuable skill sets that transcend swimming. So, too, is the significance of physical and mental/emotional health. Visit our Open Up Page ->
In 2018, MPF expanded IM with a dedicated emotional wellness lessons (IM Healthy) curriculum for Boys & Girls Clubs and Special Olympic participants. Download our eight emotional health lessons from our IM curriculum
Nemours Children’s Health and the Michael Phelps Foundation have created Raising Resilient Kids, a video series in English and Spanish that addresses social-emotional health in children. View the series
We are also proud to partner with The Weight of Gold, an HBO Sports documentary exploring the mental health challenges that Olympic athletes often face. Visit the Weight of Gold Resource Page
Like many pursuits, access and opportunity can impact one’s ability to realize their talent and maximize their potential. In an individual sport like swimming, the path forward requires resources and support that are not readily available. In 2010, MPF partnered with the Level Field Fund to provide grants that help bridge the gaps in funding for uniquely talented swimmers in financial need (Level Field Fund – Swimming) to help recipients follow (or pursue) their dreams. Learn more about Level Field Fund – Swimming
The Golf.Give.Gala is our premier fundraising event. This exclusive event provides players with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will our participants have the opportunity to walk alongside the greatest Olympian of all time on one of the best golf courses, but their contributions will also help us expand our life-saving programming to those who need it most.
Phelps + Friends Tee It Off is an intimate event that will host 105 guests on Monday, September 18, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona at Silverleaf Golf Club. Phelps + Friends will have incredible golf, great conversation, and amazing music for a worthy cause!
Around the world, half a million people drown every year. More than half of those drowning victims are children. Let’s talk about it, so we can stop it. Facebook Twitter Instagram Join our Mailing List
The support of donors and volunteers ensures participants around the world are receiving important water-safety lessons, as well as encouragement in setting active goals and fostering healthy lifestyles. Together, we can reach more people with our life-saving programming. If you would like to mail a donation, please send to: Michael Phelps Foundation, 7 Ocean Street, 2nd Floor, South Portland Maine 04106, or donate online here.
We are so thankful for our great sponsors. Because of their generosity, we can continue to make a positive impact daily.
We have been able to work with many great nonprofits that believe in our mission. Together we have reached thousands of people worldwide with our programming.
Phone: (207) 536-8375
Email: [email protected]
Address: 7 Ocean Street, 2nd Floor, South Portland Maine 04106
Please note that we do not fulfill Michael Phelps autograph requests. Due to the volume and frequency of requests, any item MPF receives will not be returned. IRS 990 Forms are available upon email request. State Disclosures
