Financial Assistance | YMCA of Honolulu | Honolulu, Hawai‘i | www.ymcahonolulu.org

About the Y

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

The Y is here for all—find out how to apply

Thanks to funds from donations and foundation grants from various organizations, the YMCA of Honolulu provides financial aid for individuals and families that can’t afford the full cost of Y membership or programs. Using a sliding fee scale based on total household income and the number of household members, financial aid is provided based on availability of funds.

Individuals receiving aid receive the same services as those paying full fees. Aid is granted for the duration of a program, or for a specific time—up to 1 year. When assistance has expired, it is possible to renew with a new application.

How to apply
Applications are held in complete confidence.

Step 1: Apply as soon as possible. The application must be submitted at least 1 week before the start of the program or membership. To start the process, contact our Service Center at (808) 678-4296 or info@ymcahonolulu.org, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Step 2: Based on instructions from the Service Center, share the following required documents:
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Most recent W-2(s)
  • Full tax return (1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, or Schedule C)
  • Alternative documents accepted if W-2s or tax returns are unavailable:
    • Copy of pay stubs (one month)
    • Benefit statement (Social Security, Disability, or Unemployment)
    • Government assistance benefits letter
    • Letter from your employer verifying your employment and stating your annual salary
    • For United States Military members: Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
If You Are Not Able to Upload Your Documents
After completing Step 1, you may schedule an appointment online with your YMCA Branch location and bring the required documents to complete your financial assistance application. During your appointment, the branch will provide a confirmation of your final scholarship amount based on verification of income and availability of funds.  You may also call our Service Center at 808-678-4296, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, if you need further assistance.
Step 3: The Service Center team will confirm your final aid amount, based on verification of income and availability of funds. To get an estimate for the aid for which you might qualify, use our financial assistance online calculator here:

Membership Financial Assistance Calculator

Program Financial Assistance Calculator


Receiving aid and want to give back?
As a non-profit organization, the YMCA is grateful to have volunteers. You might choose to write a brief note describing how the program or membership for which you receive aid has impacted your life. Share your Y story.

Which YMCA programs offer financial assistance?
Assistance is available for most YMCA programs, including individual, family and senior memberships, as well as child care, camp, youth sports and special classes.

How long will assistance continue?
Assistance is granted for duration of a program or for a specific time period of not longer than 1 year. When assistance has expired, it is possible to renew with a new application.

Who provides the funds for the financial assistance?
The Financial Assistance program is made possible through generous gifts provided by the businesses and individuals who contribute to the YMCA of Honolulu’s Annual Campaign, Teen Development Fund, Heritage Club as well as foundation grants from various organizations, and from the Aloha United Way.