Financial Assistance
Your financial situation shouldn’t dictate your well-being. That’s why we offer financial assistance to those who need it so that you can access our community-driven Health and Fitness centres, whatever your income level.
Who Can Apply for Financial Assistance
If you can’t afford the full cost of a Health and Fitness membership at the Y, we invite you to apply. Our friendly staff will complete a confidential assessment of your need based on your income. You can apply for an individual membership or one for your entire family.
How to Apply
1. Fill in the application form, providing your household income and supporting documents. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
2. Submit your application by emailing it to memberservices@ymcagta.org or by bringing it to the front desk at your local Y.
3. Complete an interview with our friendly staff to determine your eligibility. (In-person interviews include a tour of the facilities.)
Once approved, you will have four weeks to activate your membership. Members who receive financial assistance have the same full access to facilities and programs as general members.
Our Impact
made possible by 1804 donors
$3,331,000 in financial assistance provided
made possible by 1804 donors
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone interested in applying for Financial Assistance can be interviewed at your local YMCA of Greater Toronto Health & Fitness Centre. To apply, complete the Financial Assistance application, then bring the following to any YMCA Health and Fitness Centre of your choice:
1. Your completed form
2. Any supporting documentation
3. A void cheque or valid credit card
Your interview, which includes a tour of the facilities, will be an in-person assessment to determine your eligibility for financial assistance and will be completely confidential.
Individuals or families who are unable to pay the full fee for a General membership or Family General membership due to financial circumstances.
All members are expected to pay a portion of the monthly fee, typically a minimum of 50%. We assess everyone individually and will discuss your options during your interview.
Along with your completed application and a void cheque or credit card, please provide us with the most recent copies of the following income documentation that apply to you and/or your family:
• Two consecutive pay stubs
• Two consecutive social assistance statements (if applicable, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program)
• Child tax benefit statements
• Employment Insurance (E.I.) statements
• Child support documents/statements
• Previous year’s tax assessment
• Two months of bank statements
Yes. Ask a YMCA staff member about family membership requirements for financial assistance. For the purpose of this application, the YMCA of Greater Toronto Health and Fitness Centres defines a family as two adults and their dependent children under 22 living in the same household.
Confidentiality: All information you provide will be kept confidential. We also ask that you keep the content of our interview confidential.
Commitment: A YMCA membership requires making your payments on time and using your membership regularly. The recommended minimum use is twice weekly.
Communication: If your financial situation changes and/or you no longer require assistance, please speak to a YMCA staff member. This enables the Y to help other individuals and families who are unable to pay the full fee.
Please have a void cheque or credit card available at your appointment should your application be approved. All approved applicants have four weeks to activate their YMCA membership. You can activate your membership at the YMCA of Greater Toronto Health & Fitness Centre location that assessed your membership assistance rate.
If you still have questions about applying for Financial Assistance, please speak with one of the staff at your centre or call our Contact Centre at 416-928-9622 or 1-800-223-8024.
If you still have questions about applying for Financial Assistance, please speak with one of the staff at your centre or call our Contact Centre at 416-928-9622 or 1-800-223-8024.
More Programs To Help You
As a thriving charity, the YMCA provides hundreds of programs and services at over 460 locations in the GTA. From youth and older adult programs to immigrant and employment services to family support, our mission is to ignite the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities.
Learn more about some of our impactful programs.