What Is the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF)?
For nearly a century the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) has provided financial aid when an accident, illness, death of a loved one, disaster or other crisis strikes. Funded by the very people it helps, EAF is possible through the generous contributions of active and retired YMCA professionals.
Who Is Eligible for an EAF Grant?
Grants of up to $10,000 are made to active and retired Y professionals, as well as family members. The applicant must be a member of YPN Prime (formerly AYP) or the YMCA Alumni Association (Formerly Association of YMCA Retirees) for at least the past six months or be an immediate dependent family member. Assistance is provide under these circumstances:
- Medical expenses are incurred beyond provisions of health insurance coverage or other related expenses, which result in an extreme economic hardship.
- A catastrophe event such as acts of nature (fire, flood, wind, earthquake, etc.) or other catastrophic events (accident, crime, etc.) results in economic distress.
- All involuntary separation options have been exercised or unemployment insurance used, or the person has been denied separation benefits upon release and are experiencing continuing economic hardship. This basis of need is restricted to members with more than five years of YMCA employment.
- An emergency need that as a result of an “unforseen event” and not from an exercise of “personal choice".
How Do I Request a Grant?
Grant requests may be initiated in two ways: by a member on behalf of another member or by an individual member experiencing financial hardship. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Initial Request
Step 2: Receipt and Distribution to Committee
Step 3: Notification and grant distribution
Once completed, please send application and supporting documents to EAF@ymca.net
How Do I Donate to the Fund?
We welcome donations of all sizes and payment plans – whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution. Donate to EAF.