Financial Assistance

The Essence of the Y

With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the YMCA of Upper Palmetto ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.

Everyone Is Welcome

The YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate and believes that no one should be denied membership based on their ability to pay. The YMCA of Upper Palmetto provides membership assistance to youth, adults and families based on individual needs and circumstances.

Committed to Our Community

Determining financial assistance amounts is handled in a fair and consistent manner. Every YMCA member receives the same membership benefits, regardless of whether they are receiving financial assistance.

  • Those not able to pay the full fee may receive assistance based on their financial ability. The Y Financial Assistance Program reduces membership and/or program fees; it does not eliminate them.
  • Financial Assistance is granted for a specific time period, usually two years. The YMCA requests that applicants reapply bi-annually, with updated documentation. If you do not reapply at the time requested, your financial assistance will expire.
Apply HERE

The Y welcomes all people to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Financial Assistance Program is offered to individuals and families who cannot afford membership or programs.

Parents/guardians applying for assistance with Afterschool care must either be enrolled in school or employed. Financial Assistance cannot be made retro-active or used for any outstanding balance due. It is only valid from the date approved.

Applying is simple. Gather all required documents and apply online, where you will be asked to upload necessary documents, or at your local branch where required documents will be copied and included with your application.

Proof of Household Income:

Most recent tax return (Form 1040) OR Verification of Non-Filing for each adult on the membership

If you did not file and do not have a Form 1040, contact the IRS (call 1-800-TAX-FORM or visit IRS.gov) to receive a Verification of Non-Filing. If you provide a Verification of Non-Filing, please also provide proof of all income for each adult in the household. Acceptable documentation includes:

  • Banking statements with account information blacked out(full month)
  • Two most recent consecutive paychecks
  • Social Security statements
  • Disability statement
  • Proof of child support/alimony
  • Unemployment statement with amount included
  • SNAP Benefit forms
  • Any other forms of income

Proof of Dependency

Most recent 1040 tax return OR

  • School records
  • Letter from DSS naming you guardian of dependent
  • Copy of long birth certificate

Additional Documents

  • If you have any other documents you believe will help us determine your need for financial assistance, please include those.
  • You will receive a letter or email within 1-2 weeks regarding outcome.
  • Take the letter to the branch to join along with drafting information or payment for 12 months in full.

Please allow 1 week processing time before calling.

Missing information or incomplete applications will result in a delay of processing time.

No. Financial assistance cannot be made retro-active or used for any outstanding balance due. It is only valid from the date approved.

Financial Assistance is granted in 24 month increments and MUST be renewed in order to maintain and keep application information up-to-date. If member is on monthly draft and does not renew, the membership will revert to the full rate. Fees are subject to increase upon renewal.

At least a month prior to when your Financial Assistance expires, you will receive notification that it is time to renew via email or traditional mail. In our communication, there will be an application available for renewal.

Contact Savannah Anderson at 803-324-1343 or [email protected] with any questions.

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.