Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF)

For nearly a century the Emergency Assistance Fund has provided financial aid when an accident, illness, death of a loved one, disaster or other crisis strikes. Funded by contributions from active and retired YMCA professionals.

Eligibility

Grants of up to $2,500 are made to active and retired Y professionals, for themselves or for their immediate family members.

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Have been employed for 6 months and in good standing with the Y prior to grant submission; OR
• Have been a member of the YMCA Alumni Association (Formerly Association of YMCA Retirees) for at least 6 months prior to grant submission

Eligible Needs

Grants are available for the following needs with supporting documentation:

• Medical expenses incurred beyond provisions of health insurance coverage or other related expenses resulting in extreme economic hardship
• Catastrophic events such as acts of nature (fire, flood, wind, earthquake, etc.) or other events (accident, crime, etc.) resulting in economic distress
• Emergency needs resulting from an "unforeseen event" and not from an exercise of "personal choice"

Grant Terms

• Grants are available as long as funds are available
• A person may receive only one grant within a 12 month period
• Decisions are typically provided within 15 days from date of application (if no additional documentation is required)

How to Apply

Grant applications can be initiated in two ways:

1. By an individual employee experiencing financial hardship
2. By an employee on behalf of another employee

Application Process

• Applications are accepted via Y-USA's SmartSimple online application system
• Click the "Apply" link to submit
• Supporting documentation is required to determine eligibility
• Submit questions to EAF@ymca.net