Anyone with a permanent address within the Oshkosh YMCA's service area and needs assistance affording a membership may apply for financial assistance. The FOR ALL program is open to persons of all ages and backgrounds- families, adults, children, and seniors are all eligible. 

While this covers most people in our community, there are a few exceptions. The YMCA has a zero tolerance policy regarding individuals listed on the Sex Offender Registry. Persons who are in our community on a temporary basis or do not have a permanent residence would also be ineligible. Additionally, the Y reserves the right to deny financial assistance to anyone whose actions are contrary to the core values and mission of the YMCA.

The Y is a charity, and our Financial Assistance program is made possible by the generosity of our community. Through our annual donation campaign and fundraising events, donors help ensure that everyone who wants to join our Y or participate in programs can do so, no matter their financial situation.

We take several factors into account to find the amount of assistance that works for you:

• The number of individuals living in your household
• The combined gross income of individuals living in the household
• Special circumstances listed in your application

Assistance also depends on the availability of Y funds.

To apply, you'll need to submit documents to verify your income. We recommend having them ready beforehand for the smoothest experience. You'll only be required to upload documents that apply to you- if a category doesn't apply, you can simply leave it blank.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Tax Documents. Most recent federal 1040 or statement of non-filing.* W-2s not accepted.

2. Pay Stubs. Last 2 pay stubs or letter from employer stating hours worked and pay.

3. Social Security Benefits. Letter from the social security office or Notice of Decision stating your monthly benefit amount. (www.ssa.gov)

4. Unemployment or Disability. Notification of eligible benefits from unemployment/disability office. You can find this on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.

5. Child Support/Alimony. Child support order or screenshot of deposit. You can find this on the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families website.

6. Government Assistance. (SNAP, housing assistance, etc.) Letter of explanation of your benefits. You can find this at access.wisconsin.gov.

7. Proof of Other Income. If you have other additional income, please provide supporting documentation. This can be an invoice, bank statement, screenshot of deposit, etc. 

*If you do not have a copy of your most recently filed tax return, you can obtain one by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by requesting a transcript from the IRS. For more information on IRS transcripts, visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.

Once your application is submitted, it is typically reviewed within 3-5 business days. We will contact you as soon as a decision has been made.

If your application is submitted without all the required documents, we won't be able to process your application. A Y staff member will reach out to you and work with you on getting the remaining documents so we can move forward in the process.

Applications are kept on file for 30 days. If we don't hear back from you in that time, you may need to resubmit your application.

The Y will send you an award letter outlining the amount you qualify for. Once you get your letter, simply bring it to the Oshkosh YMCA branch indicated in the letter to activate your membership. Our Member Services team will help you get started and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Yes! Current Y members are welcome to apply. Please note that if approved, the assistance will be applied moving forward; it cannot be applied retroactively.

Yes, you may reapply at any time, especially if your financial situation has changed or if you can provide additional documentation that was previously missing.

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian will need to complete the application on your behalf and include household income.

Yes. All information and documents submitted for the FOR ALL Financial Assistance program are kept strictly confidential and are used solely for the purpose of determining eligibility. They are reviewed only by trusted Y staff.