Applying for Assistance
Sliding-scale financial assistance is available for YMCA membership and programs. Assistance is determined based on household and income size. Income documentation is required. Click the button on this page to download a PDF application, or stop by the YMCA's main facility at 3000 S. Russell St. to pick up a paper application.
Email financialassistance@ymcamissoula.org with questions.
Complete the Application
Click the button below to download and complete the fillable PDF application.
Submit Your Application
Completed applications and income documentation can be dropped of at the Missoula YMCA's front desk or emailed to financialassistance@ymcamissoula.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Get Ready to Enjoy the YMCA!
Our staff will review applications and contact you within 5-7 business days. After approval, your discounted rate will be applied to program and membership* fees moving forward.
*Note: Once you've been approved, will need to come into the YMCA to activate your membership. Assistance will be applied at that time.
Financial Assistance FAQs
We're excited to have you be a part of our YMCA community! Complete the fillable PDF application found on this page and return it with all the required documentation. You can also pick up a copy from our Welcome Center.
Completed applications can be emailed to financialassistance@ymcamissoula.org or dropped off at our main facility at 3000 S. Russell St.
Incomplete applications will be held for 30 days. If the application is not completed at the end of the 30-day period, a new application must be submitted.
Once your completed application and all required documentation are received, our Member Services team will review your information and contact you within 10 business days.
- New Members: Submit your application and documentation at least 7 business days before you wish to join the YMCA. Our staff will set up your YMCA account for you. However, you will need to come in-person with your ID to activate your membership.
- Existing Members: You will be notified by mail a month before your assistance expires. Please make sure your account has current contact information (especially your mailing address) at all times. To reapply, submit your application and documentation at least 7 business days before your financial assistance expires. Membership will continue if your assistance expire. Should you choose not to reapply before your assistance expires, you will be charged the full membership rate.
Yes. We recommend existing members submit their application and documentation at least seven days before their next monthly autodraft or statement.
The YMCA operates several state-licensed child care programs: YMCA Early Learning Centers, YMCA After School, and YMCA Learning-Loss Prevention (Month-Long) Summer Camps. These programs are accept the Best Beginnings scholarship.
Best Beginnings is a program through the state of Montana that helps qualifying families pay for child care. Families interested in Best Beginnings must apply through the Early Childhood Services Bureau.
Families wishing to receive assistance for the YMCA's state-licensed programs must apply for Best Beginnings before applying for the YMCA's assistance program.
Yes. Your expiration date will be listed in your award letter.
- Programs: Up to six months of assistance.
- Membership: Up to one year of assistance. Members must reapply for financial assistance prior to expiration. Memberships will continue with no interruption at full cost should you choose not to reapply and/or should you not qualify.
Should you wish to continue to receive assistance, you will need to reapply prior to your assistance expiration date. You will be notified via a mailed letter prior to the expiration date. Please make sure that your account has a current mailing address.
Yes. We recognize that your application may not tell the full financial story. You are encouraged to add a supplemental sheet with any additional information that might be helpful to our team as they review your application.
Yes. Our income guidelines are determined using cost-of-living tools specific to Missoula incomes, and we re-evaluate our income guidelines annually in January.
Our financial assistance program is made possible by generous donors and businesses. Every year, we host the YMCA Annual Support Campaign—a annual multi-week fundraiser to benefit the YMCA's financial assistance program and community subsidies. Interested in making a donation? Click the link above to learn how you can get involved and give back!
The YMCA Is For All
We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive space for all. We are committed to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Together, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
Provided in Assistance and Subsidies
Thanks to donor support, the Missoula YMCA provides over a million dollars in financial assistance and subsidies to ensure that everyone can participate regardless of income.
Of All Participants Receive Assistance
One in XX YMCA participants receive assistance to participate in Y programs and membership.