Financial
Assistance
Membership
1. People Helping People Program
The YMCA works best when everyone is included.
Helping people become the best they can be is what the YMCA is all about. Every day, the YMCA of Central Ohio works to promote the healthy development of children, to build positive behavior in teens, and to strengthen the families we serve. Since 1855, the YMCA of Central Ohio has been committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind, and body.
The YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate, and believes that no one should be turned away from membership based on their ability to pay. The YMCA understands that sometimes life throws you unexpected circumstances. Through our People Helping People Scholarship Program, the YMCA of Central Ohio is able to provide a helping hand to youth, adults, and families based on individual needs and circumstances.
All YMCA members receive the same membership benefits, regardless of whether or not they are receiving a scholarship. YMCA members can feel confident knowing that they are part of an organization that cares greatly for the health and well-being of all people, and is committed to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
The financial policies of the YMCA of Central Ohio are consistent with the Association's Mission. It is the goal of the YMCA of Central Ohio to provide educational, social and physical development services to people regardless of their ability to pay. Within it's financial capability, the YMCA of Central Ohio will provide membership assistance for YMCA memberships and program participation based on financial need.
2. How to Apply
To apply for a Helping People Scholarship, simply complete the application form. Then provide the requested information regarding income and family size to your YMCA branch so that we can provide scholarships in a fair and consistent manner.
All Helping People Scholarships will be granted for six months. The YMCA requests that individuals and families reapply after this time period to keep the information on file updated. All scholarship recipients on bank draft will be charged the full membership fee if they fail to reapply or terminate their membership before the review. Fees are subject to increase when you reapply. If you do not reapply at the time requested, your membership may be terminated.
The review process for granting scholarships will be handled on a location-by-location basis. To process your completed application we will need the required documentation.
All YMCA members receive the same membership benefits, regardless of whether or not they are receiving a scholarship. YMCA members can feel confident knowing that they are part of an organization that cares greatly for the health and well-being of all people, and is committed to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
3. Required Documentation
You will need these documents to apply for a Helping People Scholarship:
- Copy of prior year's tax return If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may obtain one by calling the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040.
- Copy of at least two pay stubs.
- Copy of Social Security or Disability checks, or copy of bank statement showing amount of automatic monthly deposit.
- Copy of unemployment check, child support or alimony payment, or copy of bank statement showing amount of automatic monthly deposit.
- Copy of rent assistance, ADC, food stamps, or other forms of assistance.
If you have any questions about documentation, please ask your YMCA branch's membership director.
All scholarship applications and personal documents are kept confidential.
4. Testimonial
Now, more than ever, YMCA programs and facilities are within everyone's reach!
"My husband and I are so fortunate to both have full time jobs, a good home, and two beautiful children. But sometimes it's hard to make ends meet. We are concerned that we can't provide our children with more family fun and outings.
The YMCA of Central Ohio offered us Membership Assistance to make a family membership affordable. Without their help, our children would not be enjoying swimming, family fun nights, camp, and all the new friends they have made at the YMCA.
We feel like we are more blessed than most and would never have imagined that help would be there for us—but it was. The caring staff of the YMCA made it so easy for us to apply. With their help, we have made a new commitment to our family—the YMCA."
