Everyone is Welcome
The YMCA is dedicated to helping everyone learn, grow, and thrive by making programs and services accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Through the Financial Assistance Program, funded by the YMCA Impact Fund, we ensure that no one who qualifies is turned away due to inability to pay. Whether a hardship arises from a layoff, illness, or other financial challenges, the YMCA is here to support individuals and families in need. While many YMCA programs focus on children, financial assistance is available for people of all ages who wish to participate in membership or programs.
To apply for the YMCA Financial Aid program, please begin by completing the Financial Aid Application below.
Help Is Always Here
As a nonprofit, the Harrisburg Area YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every individual in spirit, mind, and body. We are community-based and believe everyone regardless of age, background, ability, or income should have access to our programs. The Financial Assistance Program uses a sliding fee scale tailored to each person’s financial situation, made possible by the generosity of our members and donors through the YMCA Impact Fund.
A Testimonial
Berta and her late husband came from Russia to Harrisburg, PA in 1995. They joined the East Shore YMCA in 2011 because they drove by and noticed the great diversity of the people going in and out of the building. Since her husband’s passing, Berta continues to come to the YMCA twice a week and is a recipient of YMCA financial assistance for her membership. She does not drive and needs to walk with the assistance of a walker. Berta has developed a strong bond with the staff who helped connect Berta with the financial assistance program. Berta shared that her Doctor recommended physical therapy for her replaced knee.
The YMCA staff is always checking on her to make sure she is doing her exercises properly and in a safe manner, and she enjoys using the pool. She stated that the language barrier can be difficult but everyone always helps her and greets her with a smile. She wants everyone who donates to the YMCA Impact Fund to know how much she appreciates the YMCA and the kindness that she feels when she visits the building.
She wants everyone who donates to the YMCA Impact Fund to know how much she appreciates the YMCA and the kindness that she feels when she visits the building.
Additional Info
- Support from our Impact Fund reduces membership and program fees; it does not eliminate them.
- Membership and program fees are subject to change upon annual review.
- Members are responsible for payments for the duration of the membership.
- Support is granted following a review of all documentation. Please allow up to three weeks for review.
- Some specialized Y programs and our Early Childhood Centers may request additional information to confirm your rate. The Y reserves the right to request additional information when necessary.
Where does the money come from?
The funds available for financial assistance are made possible through the generosity of our members and donors in the annual fundraising campaign known as the YMCA Impact Fund.
How do I know if I’m eligible to receive aid?
Our financial aid application is currently available online. Individuals must complete our application and submit it through our secure portal. It will take us up to three weeks to process each application, and all communication will be done over email.
How do I submit an application?
You can visit our website below to begin the application process. If you prefer, you can drop by one of our branches and complete the application with a YMCA staff member. The following paperwork is needed along with your completed application:
- A copy of the first two pages of your most recent federal income tax return OR a copy of each adult’s most recent W-2s. If you do not file federal income taxes, please call 1 (800) 829-1040 for a verification of non-filing.
- Two most recent paycheck stubs OR letters from each adult’s employer verifying their employment and stating their annual salary. If unemployed, drawing social security, or a full-time student, please provide a summary of your unemployment benefits, SSI paperwork, or financial aid benefits and student schedule.
We are thankful for the many individuals who have donated to the YMCA over the years to help provide the financial assistance necessary to provide services to those who cannot afford it.
For more information on financial assistance services available, please contact your local YMCA branch HERE.
