COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY

The Greater Scranton YMCA keeps our promise to serve the community by making our programs, services and facilities available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The YMCA Financial Assistance Program brings this commitment to life. Individual and corporate contributions, coupled with proceeds from our Annual Support Campaign and the United Way, makes the YMCA Financial Assistance Program possible for people who need it most.

Because of the YMCA Financial Assistance Program, a family in need gains peace of mind knowing that their child is safe under our care; teens interact with and receive support from caring mentors and individuals; and families receive needed social services. The YMCA Financial Assistance Program subsidizes a YMCA membership and program services on a needs-based sliding scale, based on family size and income. Financial assistance is easy and confidential. Simply complete our application and contact/visit the Greater Scranton YMCA.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible for Y financial assistance?
Anyone may apply for financial assistance. Approval of applications is made on an individual basis. The association uses a sliding-fee scale based on a total household income & number of dependents living in the household. The scale assists the financial assistance officer in determining the amount of scholarship awarded and its applicable time frame.

Is it possible to join the Y for free?
The Y believes a strong sense of ownership & pride is developed when the financial assistance recipient contributes to the cost of their Y involvement. Therefore, applicants will be asked to pay a portion of the fee for the requested service.

If I receive financial assistance, what is expected of me?
Upon approval of the financial assistance, the Y representative will review the conditions of the scholarship with you. Those conditions will include the length of the scholarship, the expectation that you take full advantage of the assistance by using the membership or service regularly, and a commitment to make payments on time.

How will the financial assistance amount be determined?
Scholarships are determined on an individual basis using a sliding-fee scale. The sliding scale uses a combination of the income provided for the household and the number of individuals
living in the household.

How long will the financial assistance continue?
Financial assistance is awarded for a full year. At the end of the term, you must reapply for the assistance. Those who are new and families/youth are given priority.

How do I apply?

  1. Complete the financial assistance application form in this packet.
  2. A copy of your most recent federal income tax return. If you do not file federal income taxes, please call 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-1040) for a “Verification of Non-Filing Letter” or go to IRS.gov for other information.
  3. Two most recent paycheck stubs or letter from your employer verifying your employment and stating your annual salary. If you are unemployed, draw social security, and/or receive any other benefits please provide a summary of your benefits, SSI paperwork, or any other paperwork stating monies received.
  4. Mail or bring the application and documents to the assistance representative.

Please mark out all social security numbers, tax ID numbers and/or credit card numbers before submitting any paperwork.

Applications must be submitted with all required
documentation. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Who will review my application?
The Y has a designated financial assistance personnel that will intake all applications, review and make a determination of assistance awarded. All applications are reviewed in person by a trained and dedicated Y representative. All information is private and confidential.