Purpose
It is a goal of South East Aquatics to make competitive swimming available for all athletes, regardless of their financial status.
Summary
South East Aquatics (SEA) is a non-profit organization and as such, SEA can only offer assistance towards programming fees and funding is limited. This policy will set forth the guidelines necessary for a family to receive financial assistance through the FIN Fund.
The FIN Fund is for qualified members of the team who need assistance with programming fees. Financial support is available to any member in good standing with SEA. In order to be qualified for the FIN Fund, families must meet the following guidelines:
Eligibility
1. Swimmers must attend at least 70% of all monthly practices.
2. Swimmers demonstrate a firm commitment to their own development as a swimmer as well as to the team.
3. Swimmers and family members must commit to participate in volunteer & fundraising opportunities for the club over the course of the season.
4. Must apply for the USA Swimming Outreach Program. Once accepted into the Outreach Program, family will also be accepted into the FIN Fund.
Application Process
A. Individuals may begin the application process for financial assistance by completing the USA Swimming Outreach Program application and signing the attached agreement.
B. Applications should be submitted prior to registering for the season.
C. Once applications are received, the South East Aquatics Board of Directors will review FIN Fund applications. All information provided shall be kept confidential.
D. All applications must allow up to two weeks for processing. Applicants will be notified by email of their funding status.
E. If eligibility is met, families will be qualified for a discount of 50% per family on SEA programming fees for one year.
Guidelines For Approval/Denial
General Guidelines for the reduction of fees.
A. FIN Fund Application must contain complete and true information. Incomplete or falsified information shall result in a denial of requests.
B. Proof of eligibility needs to be resubmitted each season for the athlete to continue in the program. The burden of proof rests with the applicant.
C. Applicants must meet the requirements of eligibility described in eligibility section.
D. Financial assistance may be denied when granting such assistance shall have significant financial effect on the operation of the program.
E. Financial assistance shall not be granted for meet entries, USA Swimming Memberships, or equipment purchases.
F. All FIN Fund participants are required to follow the Code of Conduct and good behavior policies set forth by SEA. Failure to follow these rules will be grounds for removal from the FIN Fund program both in the present and in the future.
H. This list shall not be considered all-inclusive, and South East Aquatics reserves the right to refuse financial assistance.
Applications for the FIN Fund will open for the 2020-2021 Season in August of 2020. Funds will not be available for past seasons retroactively.
Emergency Need Fund
Summary
South East Aquatics has a special scholarship program within the FIN Fund for families
experiencing financial strain as a result of COVID-19 disruptions, family illness, or temporary job loss. The intent is to provide short-term support.
Application
Members seeking assistance should contact Kim Nedder, [email protected],
and provide the requested information below, along with the FIN Fund Agreement. Eligibility is not automatic as there is limited aid available. Information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Application questions:
How has your income been disrupted?
What percentage reduction in monthly income has your family experienced?
Do you have a date when you expect to revert back to your previous status?
Applicants will be notified within two weeks of their funding status. South East Aquatics reserves the right to refuse financial assistance.
FIN Fund Agreement:
___ My swimmer commits to attending at least 70% of practices offered for their practice group.
___ My swimmer is committed to his/her own development as a swimmer as well as the team.
___ My family commits to volunteering and fundraising as needed over the course of the season.
___ My family meets the requirements for the USA Swimming Outreach Program.
Parent/Guardian Signature:_________________________________________ Date__________
*Failure to meet these requirements will result in the family not being eligible for the following year’s FIN Fund. If requirements are not met during the winter season, families will not be eligible during the following summer season.
