FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We believe that access to our community, programs, and opportunities should never be limited by financial circumstances. West Cook YMCA Financial Support is designed to reduce barriers and ensure that individuals and families who wish to participate can do so in a way that feels sustainable and supportive. The West Cook YMCA is able to provide financial support to those who reside in our service area: Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood, Bellwood, Melrose Park, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Stone Park, and River Grove. We strive to meet people where they are and respond to the diverse needs of our community.
If you have questions, please contact our scholarship team at
- The application is done online through JotForm. These can be completed in the West Cook YMCA's Computer Learning Center.
- A valid email should be used to receive communications, including status of the application, additional changes that may impact the financial support program, or to verify information that was provided.
- Applications received for membership/program scholarships will be reviewed on an individual basis. If any additional information is needed, you will be contacted by a member of our team.
- To ensure contributions allocated to fund scholarships are being utilized for their intended use, scholarships are subject to be forfeited if the member does not check-in to the Y at least 3 times a week. If the scholarship is forfeited, the membership will become a full-paying membership. Attendance will be checked weekly. Recipients will receive a one-week grace period before any terminations. All communications will be done through email.
- Current scholarship recipients should apply for a Rapid Response Scholarship 30 days before their current scholarship expires. A current scholarship does not guarantee additional scholarships.
- When a scholarship expires or is redistributed due to a lack of use, members will become responsible for paying the full membership fee on the next fee draft date. If you do not wish to accept the charges, you can contact us at [email protected] to terminate your membership by the 20th of the month. If you do not contact us, you will be responsible for any monthly membership fees after the scholarship terminates.
- If for any reason a scholarship is terminated, the West Cook YMCA will make a good faith effort to communicate by the email address provided.
- Program scholarships are not guaranteed. The scholarship team will follow up with more details if funding is available. You must be a member receiving a Rapid Response Scholarship to apply for a program scholarship.
| Monthly Household Income | Membership Scholarship | Program Scholarship (if approved) |
| $2,750-$3,250 | 30% | 30% |
| $2,250-$2,749 | 40% | 40% |
| $1,500-$2,249 | 50% | 50% |
| $1,499 and under | 60% | 50% |
ANNUAL SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Your Y is more than a gym — it’s a community of men, women and children from all walks of life. From volleyball to volunteerism, lunges to learning the alphabet, squats to successfully finding a home, the West Cook YMCA helps our community become stronger every day.
Our Annual Support Campaign is your opportunity to help friends and neighbors achieve even more. Since 2014, because of gifts from members like you, we have provided over $1 Million in financial assistance to families, adults, seniors and youth in the 10 communities we serve. Neighbors in need received access to child care, preschool, fitness classes, sports, enrichment activities, and so much more!
Please join us in making our community stronger by giving to the Y’s Annual Support Campaign. You can add an amount to your monthly membership deduction, make a donation or complete a pledge card at the front desk, or donate online here
We are also looking for Y Champions who will lend their time and support to the effort. If you have a passion for what the Y is and does and you can give your time, please contact us at [email protected].
Thank you for making your community stronger through the Y’s Annual Support Campaign.