Financial Assistance

The YMCA of the Upper Main Line is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. The Y is community based and believes that its programs and services should be available to everyone regardless of ability to pay. This program has a sliding fee scale that is designed to fit each individual's financial situation. No eligible person will be turned away.

All YMCA members receive the same membership benefits regardless of whether they are receiving assistance. The YMCA of the Upper Main Line is an organization that cares greatly for the well being of people and is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Eligibility and level of assistance will be determined once a completed application and supporting information is submitted.

How Do I Apply for Financial Assistance for Membership?
“My Y” Memberships - If your household income is below $70K, then you are automatically eligible for our sliding scale rates.  All you would need to do is stop by the Welcome Center with a copy of your latest IRS 1040 tax form and we’ll tell you what rate you qualify for right on the spot.  If you do not file an IRS 1040 form or you are experiencing an extreme financial hardship and cannot afford your “My Y” Membership rate, you can fill out this financial assistance application.

Are there any Membership Limitations if I get Financial Assistance?
No.  The Y at Great Valley is an organization that cares greatly for the well being of individuals and their families, therefore all Y members receive the same membership benefits regardless of whether they receive assistance.  

How Do I Get an Application?
You can either stop by the Front Desk to pick up an application, call the Front Desk to have one mailed to your residence or download and print the application from http://www.umly.org/branch/greatvalley/default.asp (Choose “Programs” then click on “Financial Assistance”).  Along with the application, you will need to submit supporting financial documentation.

What Do I Need to Submit to Receive Financial Assistance?
You are required to submit the completed financial assistance application along with supporting financial documentation.  Please look at the following page to see what supporting documentation needs to be submitted. 

Financial documentation for the household MUST be submitted, even if all the individuals in the household are not applying for assistance.  All individuals in the household MUST be listed on the application.

AN APPLICATION THAT DOES NOT HAVE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Where Do I Submit the Application?
Once you have filled out the application and have all your supporting financial documentation, you can hand it in at the Welcome Center, mail it to Upper Main Line YMCA, c/o Financial Assistance, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Rd, Berwyn, PA 19312 or scan and email it to molly.alberts@umly.org.  For your safety, please black out all social security numbers.

How are Decisions Made?
The decisions are made by a volunteer committee that uses a sliding fee scale based on the number of people in your household and your gross amount income.  An accurate decision cannot be made unless all household income is documented and all individuals living in the household are listed.  The sliding fee scale gets updated yearly.

How Often Does the Volunteer Committee Meet?
The committee meets every other week on Tuesdays.  This schedule might vary a small amount due to vacations or holidays.

What about Confidentially?
When the application is turned in, the Staff Liaison will take it and assign a number to that application; therefore all the applicants and their applications are kept confidential. 

I was Accepted…Now What?
Once you receive your award letter for your membership, (you can choose to receive your letter via email or postal mail), you can come into the Front Desk and sign up.  If you are uncomfortable with going to the Front Desk, you can make an appointment with the Staff Liaison. 

How Often Do I Need to Apply?
All applicants will be reviewed once a year and will be required to re-apply every year to continue receiving assistance.  There may be special circumstances when the YCARES committee will ask the applicant to re-apply more or less often.  The Staff Liaison might contact you with questions regarding your application or if additional information is needed.

YCares Application

Please download, fill out and return the completed application packet for consideration.