Stew Leonard Iii Water Safety Fd Incorporated
Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation (Stewie the Duck) is a Connecticut-based nonprofit that educates families on water safety and funds free or low-cost swim lessons and lifeguard trainings. The foundation partners with YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and community centers and reports funding thousands of lessons annually.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A regional community provider (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, community center or swim-focused nonprofit) running swim lessons, lifeguard training, or water-safety programs in CT/NY/NJ with capacity for program reporting.
Good Fit
- • Delivers free or low-cost swim lessons or lifeguard training.
- • Partners with community centers, YMCAs, or youth-serving organizations.
- • Operates in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey (regional focus).
- • Seeks grants in the typical range observed (~$5K–$25K).
- • Can show outcomes (lessons delivered, trainees certified) for reporting.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year were distributed across Connecticut, New Jersey and New York (three states), with Connecticut receiving the single largest share (about 41%), indicating a regional tri-state footprint rather than national reach.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 21 distinct recipients (many YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and community centers), and across three years there is a mix of returning and new partners, so the observed recipient set is broad for the funder's size despite some dollar concentration in a handful of partners.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists: 11 new recipients appeared in 2024 and roughly half of 2024 recipients were new; combined with a public contact email and website presence, this behavior suggests unfamiliar applicants can plausibly enter the portfolio even though no formal application guidelines were posted.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
