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Access Scholarship Program

We strive to serve all segments of the community within our available resources & are here for people from all walks of life; in good times & in bad. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay full membership or program rates. The application process is private & confidential; please ask for an “Access” application at the Membership Services Desk.

The Piscataquis Regional YMCA is a not for profit health and human services organization committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. YMCA's are here to serve people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. The PR YMCA is community based and believes that its programs and services should be available to everyone. That is why the PR YMCA offers an Access scholarship program. The PR YMCA Access Scholarship program is a sliding scale that is designed to fit each individual's financial situation. Over the years, we have found that the Access Scholarship program is most utilized by:



The Piscataquis Regional YMCA requires that individuals provide the requested information on the attached form regarding income, family size and necessary expenses so that it can provide financial assistance in a fair and consistent manner. The PR YMCA also requires that individuals reapply when requested to keep the information on their application updated.

Your fees are subject to increase when you reapply. If you do not reapply when requested, your enrollment may be terminated.

To process your application, we will need the following information:

* Copy of last year's tax return
* Copy of last two pay stubs
* (or) copy of Social security or disability checks (or copy of bank statement showing amount of automatic monthly deposit

NOTE: If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may obtain one by calling the Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-1040). If you did not file taxes last year, or if you do not have the other documents required please submit a letter explaining your personal situation.

Please allow 10 days to process your application. After this period, you may call the PR YMCA to see if your application has been approved or if you need to submit additional information. Our staff is here to help you!

All PR YMCA members receive the same membership benefits, regardless of whether or not they are receiving assistance. PR YMCA members can feel great knowing that they are involved in an organization that cares greatly for the health and well-being of people and is committed to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Access Financial Assistance Policy

1. Within the available resources of the Piscataquis Regional YMCA, the YMCA will attempt to provide services for any youth, senior, adult or family who desires to participate in the YMCA programs or membership services, regardless of the person’s ability to pay the entire fee for these services.


2. Those unable to pay the full fee may receive financial assistance based on their demonstrated ability to pay and the YMCA’s ability to fund the subsidy.


3. Since a limited amount of funds are available, priority will be given to those participants with the greatest need. This will be determined by: demonstrated need and ability to pay, whether the person is working or attending school full-time, and in the case of certain programs, the participant’s availability to attend on a regular basis.


4. Approved applications are only kept for one month. If the applicant does not come in to redeem their membership within one month it will be given to the next qualified applicant.


5. The YMCA believes in establishing a sense of ownership in one’s involvement in the YMCA programs and services; therefore, applicants will always be asked to pay some portion of the program or membership fee. This fee must be paid prior to the program or membership participation.


6. Financial assistance will be based on a sliding scale fee that takes total household income and number of household dependents into consideration.


7. To receive financial assistance, one must complete a financial assistance application and submit written verification of all household income, such as prior year’s income tax return or w-2 form. Applicants will also be asked to declare all other forms of income received such as Section 8 housing, welfare and child support. When appropriate, applicants may be asked to list social security/retirement pension, unemployment or worker’s compensation. If applicant is a full-time student, he/she must submit a copy of his/her class schedule.


8. The YMCA realizes that individual and families may sometimes experience unexpected, temporary situations or hardships that affect one’s ability to pay. If your tax return or paycheck does not truly indicate your hardship please include a letter stating your particular hardship.


9. All financial assistance is granted for six months. Applicants are to notify the YMCA within 2 weeks of any changes in their income that may change one’s ability to pay or one’s need.


10. Applicant also must notify the YMCA of any changes in address or telephone number in a timely manner. It is solely the member’s responsibility to notify the YMCA of address and telephone number changes. The YMCA uses the current address on file for all official communication purposes.


11. The YMCA Membership Director will review your application and communicate to the applicant within 2 weeks of their status.


12. Our goal is to serve the greatest number of people possible. Since resources are limited, an individual may only participate in one subsidized program activity per session.


13. One may lose his/her subsidy if the recipient’s program participation or membership use drops, if payments are not made within 15 days of receipt of invoice, if participant fails to provide income verification information when it is requested, if participant does not provide accurate information for contact and billing. Payment of Access membership amounts is the sole responsibility of the Access member. The YMCA may send a payment reminder notification; however, it is the member’s responsibility to pay their fee in a timely manner regardless of a YMCA reminder notification. Access members failing to pay their membership as required may be terminated. Any Access member terminated for lack of payment will not be eligible to Access consideration for at least twelve months. No appeals will be granted.


14. Individuals and/or families may apply for scholarship at any time throughout the year