Financial Assistance

Everyone is Welcome

If you cannot afford the full cost of a YMCA program or membership, you may apply for financial assistance.  Financial assistance, to the extent possible, is available to those in need. All YMCA members and program participants receive the same benefits, regardless of scholarship assistance. 

What is YMCA financial assistance?

Through the generosity of YMCA contributors, our goal is to have sufficient funds to ensure our YMCA remains available to all. Thanks to our generous donors to our annual Share the Spirit Campaign, we are able to make the YMCA accessible through our Financial Assistance Program. These gifts provide scholarships for individuals and families who want and need YMCA programs and memberships but cannot afford them.

To learn more about how you can support the Pickens County YMCA’s Share the Spirit Campaign through a donation, click here.

Who is Eligibile for Financial Assistance?

The Pickens County YMCA is a not-for-profit agency serving the needs of our community.  Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
   

How long does it take to begin receiving financial assistance?

After we receive your completed application and proper documentation, your eligibility will be determined by our administration based on a review of the applicant’s information.  You will be notified in writing on whether or not you have been approved.

How is the amount of financial assistance determined?

Assistance is granted on the basis of financial need. We use a sliding fee scale based on total household income and the number of household members. We require supporting documentation to verify household size and income, and we consider special circumstances when providing assistance.

How do I apply?

• Complete and sign the Financial Assistance Application.
     Applicants must complete all sections of the Financial Assistance Application.
     Please do not leave any questions blank.
     Documentation from all sources of income must be provided. Please see required materials
          listed below.
     Your Financial Assistance Application cannot be processed without supporting documentation.
     Submitting an incomplete application will delay your award.

• Turn your completed application in at the Member Services desk at either the Easley or Pickens branch or you may mail your application to either branch.

Easley YMCA Branch; 201 Burns Road, Easley, SC  29640
Pickens YMCA Branch; 2223 Gentry Memorial Hwy., Pickens, SC  29671
     
The following items must be included with the application:

  1. Four recent paycheck stubs off all employed household members)
  2. Most recent tax return (listing all household members adjusted gross income).
  3. If you receive any of the following items, you must provide documentation for them as well:
  • Social Security benefit statement
  • Disability benefit statement
  • Unemployment benefit statement
  • Public Aid
  • Child support statement
  • Food Stamps/SNAP
  • Foster Care
  • Any other income

How long does my financial assistance last?

  • Membership rates are good for one year. You will receive a renewal letter before the year ends that notifies you of this.
  • Programs vary. Please ask when the financial assistance expires when you receive your initial rate.

How is confidential information handled?

Only YMCA staff will see your application.  Applications are kept confidential and are not used for any other purpose than to assess program needs.


The YMCA believes that a sense of ownership and pride is developed if the member contributes to the cost of his/her involvement. Therefore, all financial assistance recipients will pay a percentage of the membership and program fees.


Printable Applications
Membership, Swim Lessons, Swim Team and Youth Sports
2013 Summer Day Camp Program*
2013-2014 Afterschool Program*

*Application must be turned in within a certain time frame. See front page of application for these dates. Funds are limited.