Financial Assistance

As a nonprofit, community-building charity, we strive to make our programs widely affordable and accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. Each year, more than $2.5 million in financial assistance is provided to children, teens, families and adults throughout Delaware through our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance program. Open Doors provides a sliding fee scale that is designed to fit each individual’s financial situation giving everyone access to a YMCA membership and programs like summer camp, sports, before & after school care, swim lessons, teen leadership, and more.

 

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN DOORS

Simply fill out the registration form online or visit your local Y. Incomplete applications will result in processing delays or application denial. Allow up to 30 days to process the application and check your inbox for e-mail approval.

TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION, we will need a copy of your current Federal Tax Return for all adults in the household to verify household income. Note: A W-2 form is not an approved substitute for the Federal Income Tax Return and will not be reviewed.

IF YOU DID NOT FILE TAXESYou will need to provide a Letter of Non-Filing from the IRS and at least 2 documents showing the last 30 days of income are required for all adults in the household. Acceptable forms of documentation include:

    i.   Social security/disability payments

    ii.  Pension and/or retirement income

    iii. State assistance

    iv.  Unemployment

    v.  Alimony/Child Support

To obtain a Letter of Non-Filing please visit www.irs.gov or call (800) 908-9946.

SELF EMPLOYED: 
Schedule C must be submitted with the Federal Tax Return and is required for approval.

The YMCA requires that individuals reapply when their membership expires, or when requested, to keep the information on their application updated. Financial assistance rarely covers 100% of the total membership or program fee. Your fees are subject to an increase when you reapply. If you do not reapply when requested, your enrollment may be canceled. Scholarship discounts are not available for short term or temporary memberships.

Our Mission


To empower youth, foster healthy living, and promote strong communities.