Financial Assistance

At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate — regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we offer income-based financial assistance for memberships and programs as funding allows.

What Financial Assistance Is

Financial assistance (sometimes called a subsidy or scholarship) provides reduced rates based on your household income and size. Eligible applicants receive a discounted rate for memberships and a wide range of Y programs. The discount is typically valid for 12 months unless otherwise noted in your confirmation.

What it Covers

Financial assistance is available for:

• Memberships: individual and household options.
• Programs: swim lessons, youth sports, enrichment activities, and more.
• Camps & Education Programs: including day camp, early education, and before & after-school care.
  • There is a separate application for Overnight Camp - Jump to Financial Aid Application for Camp Colman, Camp Orkila and BOLD & GOLD trips. 

How it Works

1. Create a YMCA account (if you don’t already have one).  
   Before starting the application, you’ll need to create a free YMCA account. Please use the email address you plan to use for all communication regarding your application, future programs, and membership. After clicking the “Apply Today” button below you’ll be prompted to login or create a new account.
2. Complete the financial assistance application.  
   There are four application pathways. You must submit an application for each pathway you are interested in:
   • Membership & Programs
   • Programs Only
   • Before & After-School and Day Camp
   • Early Learning
3. Provide household information.  
   You’ll enter household income, household size, and for membership-your preferred location. See our locations here, if helpful.
4. We will review your application.
   • You will receive an automatic financial assistance determination after submitting your application. If qualified, you may use the coupon codes provided in that determination to then go online and purchase your membership, programs, or camp & education programs. The coupon code is required on every transaction to properly discount your fees.
   • Your financial assistance determination is also emailed to you. If you wish to request additional FA or follow-up, this can be done by logging into your YMCA account, selecting “financial assistance” then “review an existing application” and request follow-up from there.
5. Receive your adjusted rate.  
   Approved applicants receive financial assistance for up to 12 months, with periodic re-verification if requested by the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Please notify us if your financial situation changes.

Our Commitment

The Y is dedicated to making participation possible for all. Financial assistance ensures individuals and families can access opportunities that support well-being, learning, and community connection.

Apply for Financial Assistance

Click the button below to get started.

Apply Today

If you have any issues or questions, please reach out through our Contact Us page — we’re here to help. You may also visit any of our YMCA membership locations for additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help?

We are here to support your application process. Please call us at (206) 382-5022 for additional support.

We are committed to making YMCA camps and outdoor leadership programs more accessible for everyone.  

We have created pricing options and developed a voluntary sliding fee schedule for Camp Colman, Camp Orkila, and BOLD & GOLD. Simply select the most appropriate price for your family. Your selections are completely confidential and do not impact the quality of your camper’s experience.  

• Price A reflects the full price of sending a participant to the program selected. This level represents the full price of camp operations, including industry leading training and staffing, support for long-term maintenance, repairs, and facility enhancements.  
• Price B is partially sponsored by funds generously contributed by our supporters to help families unable to afford the full price of the program.  
• Price C is our most accessible rate, supported by generous contributions from our donors to ensure a positive camp experience for as many participants as possible.

If our lowest prices still create a financial barrier that prevents you from participating in our programs, we invite you to fill out a financial assistance application.   

Apply Today

How to apply:

1. Log in to or create an account in UltraCamp
   1. To apply before registering for a program: From your account dashboard, the application can be found under the menu icon in the Document Center, and then under the Financial Assistance section,  
   2. To apply during the registration process: During registration you’ll be asked to select a pricing option. Simply select “I’m interested in applying for financial assistance”, and the application will automatically open
2. The application asks a few questions about your financial situation: total monthly income, number of people the income supports, and there is a space to include any details for extenuating circumstances that may not be reflected (i.e. recent loss of job, unforeseen medical expenses, etc.)

Next Steps:

1. Once we have reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email confirming the percentage you have been awarded. We are only able to offer financial assistance for one registration per participant each season (i.e. 1 summer program and 1 family camp program (spring or fall).
2. If you applied prior to registering, you can use the emailed discount code on the payment screen during check out. The discount will automatically be applied to your account for any existing reservations. A deposit is still required to confirm your reservation ($50/reservation for summer programs; $35/person for family camps and retreat programs).
3. Please allow 1-2 weeks for application processing.

Questions? If you have any questions about the application process, please let us know: 206-382-5009, option 4, then option 3, or campinfo@seattleymca.org.