YMCA of Greater Des Moines Financial Assistance Program
The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. To that end, the Y provides financial assistance for those who may not be able to afford the full cost of programs and services. By offering financial assistance, our programs can be accessible to individuals and families at all income levels without maintaining a fee structure that is artificially low or that compromises program quality.
Our financial assistance program is made possible through the generous donations of Y members, community members and local businesses. It is through these gifts that we are able to make the Y accessible to all.
In order to apply for financial assistance, you must schedule an appointment with a Membership Specialist at the branch you wish to join. The estimated award is subject to the accuracy of the information you provide on your financial assistance application and income verification and does not incorporate any special circumstances which are reviewed after you officially apply for assistance.
How is financial assistance applied to my YMCA swim team account?
After completion of swim team registration for each season, each family must send an email to the swim team administrative assistant with the family name, swimmer/swimmers names and their practice site location. (Please do not send financial information.)
Swimmer accounts will be verified within the Y membership management software regarding the amount of financial assistance awarded. Please note, the registration process does require the first installment is paid in full. If you are receiving financial assistance from the YMCA, your account will receive a credit for the appropriate amount of assistance; including the first installment. Please note that, like all programs offered through the YMCA, the financial assistance for the swim team dues is capped at 50%. Financial assistance does not apply to meet fees or other incidental (like cap or t-shirt) purchases.
USA Swimming Outreach Program
USA Swimming offers an Outreach program with the goal of providing reduced cost membership for economically disadvantaged youth. USA Swimming administers this program. Eligibility is similar to what the YMCA requires however there are other categories that may qualify your swimmer. Use of YMCA financial assistance automatically qualifies a swimmer for this program, however, a separate application must be made to USA Swimming.
To quailfy for the Outreach program the athlete must submit their registration form along with one of the following proofs: proof of reduced/free lunch program; show proof of food stamps; show proof of annual income. To show a person is economically disadvantaged the burden of proof rest with the applicant and proof of eligibility needs to be resubmitted each year with registration/renewal for the athlete to continue in the Outreach program.
The entire eligibility proof option list can be found by following the link. A few common proofs include:
- Receiving YMCA of Great Des Moines financial assistance.
- Proof of Free/Reduced lunch is a verification letter from a school administrator.
- Proof of Food Stamps is a current date Notice of Action letter.
- Proof of Annual Income is a most recent IRS tax return documenting household income within the limits of Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
USA Swimming's outreach Membership FAQ can be found by following the link. A few hightlights include:
- Outreach program membership discounts are on USA Swimming annual memberships and USA Swimming meet fees for individual entries.
- Outreach USA Swimming membership is $5.
- Outreach USA Swimming meet fees are typically a flat rate of $5.
If you qualify, please notify the swim team administrative assistant to assist in the application process.
