The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is a fundraiser for The Watershed Center, a nonprofit that advocates for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and acts to protect and preserve the bay's watershed. Each swimmer is responsible for raising at least $250. There is no fundraising requirement for support paddlers.

Once you register for the Swim, you will be directed to create a fundraising profile that can then be shared with friends and family via email, text, social media and other creative endeavors. Your supporters can donate online. You can also fundraise by collecting pledges from your supporters and mailing or delivering them to The Watershed Center. After you register, you'll regularly hear from us with fundraising support to keep you on track and help you hit your goal.

FUNDRAISING POLICY
The minimum fundraising requirement of $250 is due in full on August 6, 2026, prior to participating in the event. If the $250 requirement has not been raised by that date, you will have the option to withdraw from the Swim (no registration or donation refunds will be issued), have the outstanding balance charged to your credit card, or write a check.

Kayak Support Paddlers accompany an individual swimmer to carry water, help swimmers stay on course, and provide encouragement. Support paddlers must provide their own kayak, personal floatation device, and paddler.