Beneficiaries
Those Benefitting From Swim With A Mission
Since being founded in 2017, Swim With A Mission has given almost $10 Million to service and support organizations that provide critical services to our Veterans.
Every year, SWAM focuses on important needs in the Veterans community and provides grants to worthy Veteran service and support programs. Each organization submits an application for a grant so we can consider how the money we raise each year can make the most impact in the community. The recipient of the grants provide services and support including mental health services, scholarships for children of a parent who died in service, taking care of homeless Veterans, providing rides and financial assistance to Veterans, providing health care services to Veterans, providing permanent housing for Veterans, K9’s for Veterans, and help with PTSD.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Swim With A Mission’s 2024 grant application is closed. Those who applied will receive word by the end of November if their grant will be awarded. The 2025 grant application will open in the spring of 2025. Please check back here for more information as the time gets closer.
2023 GRANT BENEFICIARIES
Listed alphabetically below.
At Liberty CONNECTIONS
At Liberty Connections was founded in 2023 as an organization built by Veterans for Veterans. It was founded to help Veterans and others in need who have been impacted by trauma and struggling with life's challenges. They are donor-supported , committed to providing, non-clinical, trauma-informed and neuroscience-based equine assisted healing activities. Their events and retreats are designed for Veterans and family members who are recovering from anxiety, depression, traumatic events, or high levels of stress.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $25,000 in grant support to At Liberty Connections.
Camp Resilience
The Patriot Resilient Leader Institute runs Camp Resilience Retreats to help service members, Veterans, first responders and their loved ones recover and maintain their physical, psychological and emotional well-being. These free 3-4 day retreats combine peer-to-peer counseling, life skills workshops and outdoor experiential learning. Camp Resilience strives to provide attendees with the tools to develop self-improvement goals and sustained ties to their community. The retreats stress the importance of camaraderie and wellness in fostering resilience.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $329,770 in grant support to Camp Resilience.
The Currier Museum Art
On October 7, 2020, Swim With A Mission presented The Currier Museum of Art with a check for $717,500 to to construct a dedicated programming space for Veterans. This space is now complete and offers Veterans, active service members, and their families from all over the state in a comprehensive art program and art therapy classes at no cost to them. This unique art-focused program allows participants to come together and experience the benefits of the creative experience at the Currier Museum of Art.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $887,240 in grant support to The Currier Museum- Arts for Vets program.
The Elliot Perry Foundation
The Elliot Perry Foundation's Operation Honor pillar is designed to support and honor Veterans. Through 11 year old Elliot Perry's vision, his foundation is underway in building a military themed playground at the Easterseals Campus in Franklin. In addition, Elliot is working on victory gardens that will be maintained by Veterans with food going to children in poverty. Elliot is establishing the Rosie Garden campaign to plant rose gardens to honor military women.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $2,500 in grant support to The Elliot Perry Foundation.
Equine Immersion Project
Equine Immersion Project offers hope to those who feel the weight of service/support to our country. Service members and their families experience growth and learning in the Behavioral, Social, Familial and Emotional areas.
Horses are proven catalysts of change and healing among animal assisted therapies that promote mental health and well-being. Seeking alternatives to traditional methods is key to meeting the needs of the Veteran community. EIP weekend retreats have provided over 750 Veterans a transformative experience. EIP is honored to serve those who have served- all branches, all eras, all family members, all support persons and all care givers at no charge.
Swim With A Mission is proud to have provided $150,000 in grant support to Equine Immersion Project.
Harbor Care
Harbor Care is an innovative network of nonprofit community organizations helping individuals and families of New Hampshire find solutions to many of life’s most challenging issues. They provide high quality housing and residential services, primary and behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, home care, HIV/AIDS care, Veteran services, and supports to individuals and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Their unique model allows them to provide the wide range of collaborative services people need to gain and sustain independence. Each year, Harbor Care provides integrated care and housing to 6,000 New Hampshire community members statewide.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $460,000 in grant support to Harbor Care.
Hero Pups
Hero Pups is a New Hampshire-based, non-profit organization that pairs support dogs with Veterans and first responders throughout New England who have been diagnosed with service-related psychological challenges. Laura Barker founded the organization after her son was wounded in Afghanistan. Hero Pups was founded on the belief that since our Heroes have already given so much, it’s the least we can do to provide them a companion to help them lead a happier life, free of charge. Hero Pups received 501(c)(3) status in 2016. The program is headquartered on 50-acres of private, rent-free land in New Hampshire. The organization chooses to focus on the dogs and Heroes – not fancy swimming pools or career aspirations. Hero Pups is 100 percent volunteer-run with no paid staff.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $441,353 in grant support to Hero Pups.
Hidden Battles
Hidden Battles is a non-profit organization that strives to help preserve the healthy minds of Military / Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Dispatch, and Nursing through treatment and counseling for depression, suicidal tendencies, and PTSD. Our defenders are absorbing the horrors of their occupations. They struggle with the hidden battles fought in their minds on a daily basis. Whether it is the horrors of war, personal injury or a fatal car crash, the effects are everlasting. Over the course of their careers, the stress piles up to sometimes a fatal level. Our returning soldiers, fire fighters, police officers and other first responders need an outlet. Whether it is a peer group, a service dog or team building therapy we need to provide them with the programs and services to protect them from internal harm.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $80,000 in grant support to Hidden Battles.
Holiday Cards 4 Our Military NH Challenge
The primary goal of the Holiday Card Challenge and #cards2connect Programs is the collection and delivery of personalized, signed expressions of respect, caring, and gratitude to US Troops, Veterans, and Service Families. Your personalized and signed greeting cards and letters reflect your genuine support and caring, respect and appreciation of our military heroes, letting them know that they are not alone during the winter holiday season and now throughout the year.
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $2,500 in grant support to Holiday Cards 4 our Military NH Challenge.
House In The Woods
House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization offering outdoor programs to bring together small groups of active military, Veterans, and their family members to relax, share, bond, and deal with the stress, loss, grief, and other emotions which can haunt the grieving soul. They offer canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, nature tours, campfires, swimming, wildlife identification and spotting, and other natural Eastern Maine resource “treasures” God has given their beautiful state to enjoy. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will have the opportunity to share laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common bonds.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $42,000 in grant support to House In The Woods.
Lakes Region Veterans Coalition
LRVC is comprised of local Veterans and community leaders working to implement the Veteran-focused Together With Veterans suicide prevention program in the Lakes Region. Their mission is to enlist rural Veterans and their local partners to join forces to reduce Veteran suicide in our community
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $10,000 in grant support to Lakes Region Veterans Coalition.
Liberty House Transitional Veterans Home
Liberty House Veterans Transitional Living offers Veteran residents housing for between 90-days to 1-year. During their time at the home, they follow a 4-step model, which is: Recovery, Health and Wellness, Employment and Housing. Liberty House walks along with each resident and works to collaboratively create individual goals. They then connect each Veteran to community resources that will help them achieve their future goals.
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $1,115,000 in grant support to Liberty House.
The MET Foundation
The MET Foundation is helping families in distress and bridging the gap between the urgent needs that arise in daily life and the long-term support other organizations are able to provide. The 2014 Blue Star Family report found that over one-third of active duty and spouse respondents (36%) agreed that the costs of rent were higher than their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
They provide an early response to help relieve the monetary stresses and challenges of military life including the needs of spouses and children. They also support to our Veterans as they work to assimilate to civilian life and provide continued help as needed.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $110,000 in grants to The MET Foundation.
The Navy SEAL Museum
Since being founded in 2017, Swim With A Mission has enjoyed a great partnership with The Navy SEAL Museum, whose mission is to preserve the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs, honor their fallen, and care for their families.
The Navy SEAL Museum’s K9 Project is one of four charitable outreaches of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program. Partnering with Baden K-9 in Ontario, Canada, with the generous support of dedicated donors, the Navy SEAL Museum has donated multiple working dogs to deserving veterans of the Special Operations community. This unique program creates an effective platform to help Veterans assimilate back into civilian life by facilitating a special relationship between warrior and dog. The bond between elite operator and elite canine provides the connection and fellowship many Veterans often find lacking when transitioning back into civilian life.
To learn more about the museum and all it has to offer visit https://www.navysealmuseum.org.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $3,046,155 in grant support to The Navy SEAL Museum and Trident House Charities.
Northeast Passage
The mission of Northeast Passage is to empower people living with disabling conditions, both visible and invisible, to define, pursue and achieve whole life health, community engagement and fulfillment through the purposeful use of sports and recreation; to develop and promote best practices in the fields of Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Sports.
Northeast Passage listens carefully to the needs and feedback of the clients we serve. They are attuned to current healthcare system demands, emerging evidenced-based practices, and identified gaps in care such as transition points. Since 1999 Northeast Passage has created and refined the PATH™ (Promoting Access Transition and Health) community-based model of recreational therapy to fill, specifically this need.
PATH™ is an immersive functional intervention that uses facilitated recreation engagement the context for skill development. PATH™ is designed to address this vulnerability of transition by working with Veterans in their home communities to create solutions that are relevant and sustainable. Their model aligns with the recommendations for care listed above and our therapists use evidence-based practices to address both the contextual factors of the Veteran’s environment and personal factors unique to each person that influence health behavior.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $196,530 in grant support to Northeast Passage.
Operation Delta Dog
Operation Delta Dog is a nonprofit based out of Hollis, NH that rescues homeless dogs and trains them to become service dogs for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and other related challenges. Most service dog training organizations use trainers or prison training programs to train their service dogs, and then Veterans must travel to their facility for a short period of time at their own expense to learn how to work with their new service animal. The Veteran then returns home with the animal and little is done by way of follow-up with their success or struggles. Operation Delta Dog takes a hands-on role in the training of their service dogs and continues support throughout the life of the dog and beyond. Veterans are matched with a dog after the dog goes through an extensive twelve-week foundation training program with Operation Delta Dog’s training director, dog trainers and kennel assistants. Veterans then start attending classes with their dog at least twice per week to make sure the match is a good one for both the veteran and dog. After another four to six weeks, if the match works, the dog will move in with the Veteran and they will continue to come to classes together, have one-on-one home training sessions, and attend educational opportunities and meetings with Veteran caseworkers until the dog is fully trained.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $655,000 in grant support to Operation Delta Dog.
Veterans Count/Easterseals
Veterans Count, a program of Easterseals NH, VT & Farnum, provides critical and timely clinical and social services, as well as financial assistance, to service members, Veterans, and their families when other resources are not available to ensure their dignity, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. Emergency financial assistance may include rental assistance, gas, food, or utility payments. Veterans Count helps people access eligible benefits and services, housing, counseling services, and other needs to build a sustainable, secure, and viable future. Our commitment is to ensure the dignity, health, and overall well-being of each service member, Veteran, and family member.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $1,460,275 in grant support to Veterans Count.
Vouchers for Veterans
Vouchers for Veterans wants every Veteran to know, that the County in which they reside in NH, acknowledges their sacrifices and thanks them for their service. Albeit a small token of appreciation in comparison for what they have done for us, Vouchers for Veterans thanks each Veteran for their service by giving them $20.00 in vouchers, each week, in September, for making fresh and nutritious purchases at a designated Farmers Market within their county. Vouchers for Veterans is currently serving three of the 10 New Hampshire Counties and York County Maine.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $35,000 in grants to Vouchers for Veterans.
PREVIOUS GRANT BENEFICIARIES
Azimuth Check Foundation
ACF believes that physical, mental, social, and emotional health must be nurtured to achieve wellness. ACF helps our injured warriors achieve wellness in an atmosphere of camaraderie by providing veterans with challenging and rewarding events, including; hiking, mountaineering, deep sea fishing, rock climbing, ice climbing, snowshoe hiking, sporting events & tournaments, and much more.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $15,000 in grant support to Azimuth Check Foundation.
Bridge House Homeless Shelter
Bridge House is a homeless shelter who vows to accept all Veterans who contact the shelter – no Vet is ever turned away. They provide shelter and help each Veteran access a variety of services, such as job placement, relocation, family unification, and permanent housing. The Bridge House is also the only shelter welcoming a veteran accompanied by “man’s best friend” – his/her pooch! Veterans come to the Bridge House via a variety of paths. They may be referred by a welfare officer, VA social worker, SSVF, other shelters, the police, hospitals, local churches, physicians, or they may walk in off the street. Veterans are connected immediately to services through a VA social worker, and a Bridge House case advocate meets with the Vet once a week on-site.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $42,505 in grant support to Bridge House.
Children of the Fallen Patriots
The Children of the Fallen Patriots’s mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. They are dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every child of a fallen patriot receives all necessary college funding. They believe a college education is the single most important gift they can give these children, it is an important investment in the future of America and ultimately it is one of the best ways we can honor those who died defending our country.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $50,000 in grant support to Children of the Fallen Patriots.
CreatiVets
CreatiVets’ mission is to empower wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music. To learn more about CreatiVets visit https://creativets.org.
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $35,000 in grant support to CreatiVets.
Coast Guard Foundation
Founded in 1969, The Coast Guard Foundation is a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes. They are there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. For more information visit http://coastguardfoundation.org.
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $59,000 in grant support to The Coast Guard Foundation.
National Coast Guard Museum
WHEN THE MOST IS EXPECTED, the United States Coast Guard has delivered the most for us. They are always ready – Semper Paratus. Now is the time for us to do the Most for them with a National Coast Guard Museum in New London, CT.
Since its inception in 1790, the USCG has tirelessly answered the call to duty, saving lives, enforcing maritime law, combating terrorism, facilitating commerce and protecting the environment. The vital responsibilities of the USCG are carried out by highly trained men and women who perform these missions with honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
Yet, the Coast Guard is the only branch of the armed services without a national museum to celebrate its role in the life of our Nation and to honor the men and women who serve. The public is generally unaware of the scale and scope of the Coast Guard’s missions. We have come to expect the MOST from the Coast Guard, but there is no place for the USCG to share with the public its history, to demonstrate its critical role in protecting us, and to highlight its relevance to the greatest issues facing our Nation.
That is until now; it is the right time to build the National Coast Guard Museum in honor of those who serve.
Swim With a Mission has proudly provided $25,000 in grant support to The Coast Guard Museum.
Dan Healy Foundation
The Dan Healy Foundation was created in memory of Operation Red Wings Fallen Warriors. Their mission is to uphold the honor and dedication exemplified by Senior Chief Healy in his heroic efforts by being of service to the Seacoast, NH community through the following resources: (i) scholarships to area students entering the military or a trade school; (ii) aiding Seacoast area Veterans in various ways; (iii) offering a grant to deserving single mothers; and (iv) supporting the elementary school children in the Courtesy Matters program.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, US Navy SEAL, BUD/S Class 176, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was born on July 17, 1968 in Exeter, NH and KIA in the Hindu Kush mountains of Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 28, 2005 during Operation Red Wings.
SCPO Healy was lost when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard on a rescue mission crashed going to the aid of a team of four SEALs on a reconnaissance mission who were embroiled in a battle with a larger force of the Taliban. When word got back to base about their plight, their fellow SEALs went into action filling two helicopters to go to their aid. Due to his rank as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, Dan Healy did not have to go on that mission, but he insisted. Taking men off of the lead helicopter SCPO Healy told the others “Those are my men and my face is going to be the first one they see”.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $30,000 in grant allocations to The Dan Healy Foundation.
Equine Immersion Programs
Equine Immersion Programs (EIP) provides therapeutic programs for veterans struggling with the Invisible Wounds of War encompassing Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, Moral Injury, Family Discord and other service related issues. Horses are proven catalysts of change and healing among animal assisted therapies that promote mental health and well-being. Seeking alternatives to traditional methods is key to meeting the needs of the veteran community. EIP weekend retreats have provided over 750 veterans a transformative experience. EIP is honored to serve those who have served- all branches, all eras, all family members, all support persons and all care givers at no charge.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $35,000 in grant support for Equine Immersion Programs.
FISHER HOUSE BOSTON
Fisher House Boston’s mission is to provide a home away from home where military families can stay, free of charge, while a loved one is receiving in-house treatment at any of our world-renowned medical centers in Boston. We work tirelessly to raise awareness in our community about this critical need of our military families. For more information visit https://www.fisherhouseboston.org.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $15,000 in grant support to Homeland Heroes.
Homeland Heroes Foundation
Homeland Heroes is based out of Salem, NH and does incredible work helping Veterans who are acclimating to civilian life after active duty and helping their families to get back on their feet. Some of the amazing things the organization does is to provide furniture, new mattresses and box springs, gas and food cards, and housing support for Veterans among many other things. This money will allow the organization to assist hundreds more Veterans and their families in a time where help is extremely needed. To learn more about this grant and the Homeland Heroes Foundation visit https://www.homelandheroesfoundation.org.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $81,000 in grant support to Homeland Heroes.
Honor Flight NewEngland
Honor Flight New England joined with the national organization Honor Flight Network in the Spring of 2009, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s most senior veterans. Through generous donations, they transport our heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials AT NO COST TO THE VETERAN. It is estimated that there are currently less that 200,000 surviving WWII Veterans of the 16 million that served. It is also estimated that approximately 180 WWII Veterans are passing each day. Korean War Veterans are not far behind, they are in their 80’s and 90’s. Although Vietnam Veterans are younger, they are experiencing health problems related to their war service. Honor Flight New England has learned a lot over the years, most notably that our veteran heroes aren’t asking for recognition. It is our position that they deserve it. Their program is just a small token of their appreciation for those that gave so much.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $10,000 in grant support to Honor Flight New England.
Manchester Association of Police K-9s
The Manchester Police Department K-9 Unit is comprised of nine highly trained teams. Their patrol teams are trained to locate people, evidence, contraband, and if necessary apprehend suspects. Their patrol teams are cross-trained in illegal drug detection or explosive ordinance and ballistic detection. There are 8 K-9 teams assigned to the patrol division and one team is assigned to the Special Enforcement Division. The K-9 teams provide support to all divisions in the department and respond to mutual aid requests from other agencies. Two K-9 teams are assigned to the SWAT team. These teams receive additional specialized training and deploy during SWAT operations.
K-9 officers are selected based on their motivation, drive, and determination so that they may handle the demanding requirements of the assignment. After selection to the K-9 Unit, teams must successfully complete their patrol and detection training. All teams train on a regular basis to maintain a high level of proficiency and readiness. The K-9 Unit certifies to the standards set forth by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) for patrol, tracking, and specialty detection.
Each canine resides with its respective handler during its tenure of service and remains with the handler upon retirement. The canine's selfless service comes at a cost. During years of service, a canine is prone to serious injury, violent assaults, and traumatic stress. The constant wear and tear on the canines' bodies follow them into their retirement years. Once retired, the handler and their family accept full financial responsibility and care for the canine.
The Manchester Association of Police K-9s (MARK-9) was established in 2018 to provide financial assistance for the proper retirement care of the Manchester police canines, as well as burial and memorial for fallen canines. MARK-9 is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered as a Charitable Organization with the state of New Hampshire. For more information visit www.mapk9603.org
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $40,000 in grant support to M.A.P.K9.
Mission 22
Mission 22’s commitment could not be more personal. Mission 22 was founded by Veterans. Most of the staff are Veterans, spouses of Veterans, or have immediate family members who have served in the US military.
Mission 22 provides extensive, personalized support and resources to help Veterans and their families thrive. Mission 22’s programs for Veterans and military spouses offer everything from biometric monitoring of stress, sleep, and activity levels; to meditation and coaching; to exercise programs and a wellness supplement regimen; to books and learning resources to help Veterans put their experience in context.
Mission 22 recognizes that a Veteran’s experience is a family’s experience – families live through all of the ups and downs that soldiers returning home do. They have developed a support program exclusively for spouses to take positive steps that renew their identities as individuals and the strengths they bring to their household.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $10,000 in grant support to Mission 22.
Operation Renewed Freedom
Operation Renewed Freedom is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that helps veterans, military members, first responders and their families discover the FREEDOM to LIVE ABUNDANT LIVES. They offer hope and healing using a model of immersion and experiential learning while partnering with horses. To learn more about Operation Renewed Freedom visit https://www.facebook.com/operationrenewedfreedom/about.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $10,000 in grant support to Operation Renewed Freedom.
Shadow Warriors Project
The goal of the Shadow Warriors Project is to create a better everyday life for as many American contractors and their families as possible. They decided to start SWP when Mark Geist returned home from an incredibly dangerous operation. He was hurt both mentally and physically and wished there was a system that could have helped.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $20,000 to the Shadow Warriors Project.
Travis Mills Foundation
The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated Veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.
They support these Veterans through their nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Veteran families who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, barrier-free experience in Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other Veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s outdoors.
Swim With A Mission has proudly provided $75,000 in grant support to Travis Mills Foundation.
Gift to Navy Chaplains Fund
Swim With A Mission has donated $2,000 of Walmart Gift Cards to the Navy Chaplains Fund to help active duty families purchase gifts and have a better Christmas.