About the Michael
Phelps Foundation
Empowering people to thrive in and out of the water.
The Michael Phelps Foundation empowers individuals to live healthier, more confident lives through water safety, mental wellness, and healthy living education.
Our Story
Founded in 2008 by Olympic champion Michael Phelps, the Michael Phelps Foundation was created to help young people build confidence, develop healthy habits, and feel safer in and around the water.
What began as a focus on water safety and healthy living has evolved into a broader commitment to supporting the whole child through mental wellness, emotional resilience, and confidence-building education.
Today, the Foundation’s IM Program reaches communities around the world through partnerships with organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International, helping participants develop lifelong skills that support wellbeing in and out of the water.
Our
Cause
Water safety and mental wellness are deeply connected.
At the Michael Phelps Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and confident in and out of the water. Through water safety, mental wellness, and healthy living education, we help participants build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills that support wellbeing both physically and emotionally.
As drowning prevention and youth mental wellness continue to impact communities around the world, the Foundation remains committed to expanding access to programs that help create safer, healthier, and more confident communities.
Together, anything is possible.
Our Signature
Program
The Michael Phelps Foundation’s IM Program combines water safety, mental wellness, healthy living, and confidence-building education designed to help young people build lifelong skills that support wellbeing in and out of the water.
Developed in partnership with Nemours KidsHealth.org®, the IM Program helps participants become more comfortable and confident both in and out of the pool.
Program focus areas include:
- Water safety education
- Swimming and healthy living activities
- Mental wellness and emotional wellbeing lessons
- Goal-setting and confidence-building
It Starts with Your Support
Support from donors and partners helps the Michael Phelps Foundation continue expanding programs that empower young people to thrive in and out of the water.
Your support helps us:
- Expand access to the IM Program
- Grow water safety and mental wellness education
- Reach more communities around the world
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills
- Create safer, healthier, and more confident communities
Our Partners
Our mission is perpetuated by our work with other nonprofits focused on a better, safer, and stronger world.
We are truly better together.
Faces Behind the Foundation
The Michael Phelps Foundation is led by a passionate team of staff, board members, ambassadors, and partners who are committed to expanding access to water safety, mental wellness, and healthy living education.
Together, we are working to help young people build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills that support wellbeing in and out of the water.
