Fee waivers, sliding scales and scholarships published by the
organizations that run these programs — each with who is eligible and the page
that decides it. Nothing here is estimated from a family's income, and a program with
no aid published simply does not appear. A few are awards toward college rather than
help with a program fee; those are labelled College scholarship.
4 of the 299 programs in Needham say they offer financial aid or a scholarship, and 11 schemes are set out below.
Financial aid
Needham Park and Recreation Department
Needham Park & Recreation Financial Assistance & Scholarships
A scholarship fund that reduces the cost of Needham Park & Recreation programs for residents who cannot afford the fee.
- Who is eligible
- "Financial assistance is available to Needham Residents. A family is eligible for a scholarship when an organization or professional who is aware of the family's financial need submits the online form to the Park and Recreation Department." Programs marked with an asterisk in the brochure are vendor-run and "may not qualify for financial assistance."
Financial aid
YMCA of Greater Boston (Charles River YMCA, Needham)
YMCA of Greater Boston ACCESS Financial Assistance (Charles River YMCA)
The YMCA of Greater Boston's need-based financial assistance program, available at its branches including the Charles River YMCA in Needham, that reduces membership and program fees.
- Who is eligible
- "Based on available resources and sliding scale eligibility, the Y will not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay full fees. Our ACCESS program provides financial assistance based on need through an easy application process." Programs are "available to all regardless of age, income, ability, race or religion."
Financial aid
Needham Youth Hockey Association
Needham Youth Hockey Financial Assistance
Partial assistance or a payment plan toward NYHA registration and team budget fees, covering up to $800 or 50% (whichever is less) and limited to two years per skater. Apply with the financial aid application submitted to the NYHA President.
- Who is eligible
- "All Families requesting Financial Assistance must complete the Financial Aid application and submit it to the NYHA President." ... "Financial assistance will be provided to cover up to $800.00 or 50% (whichever is less) of player registration and team budget fees."
Scholarship
Needham Baseball & Softball
Needham Baseball & Softball Scholarship
Two annual scholarships for graduating high-school seniors who played in a Needham Baseball & Softball youth program, awarded by essay; $1,500 to each winner and $500 to second place.
- Who is eligible
- "(1) be a Needham resident, (2) be a senior in high school (public or private)" ... "(4) have participated in a Needham Baseball & Softball program in their youth (5) submit one to two-page essay (no less than 500 words) by the applicable deadline"
Financial aid
Hale
Hale Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid for Hale Summer Camps, its Family & Community Program, and School Vacation Days. Families email finaid@hale.education to receive an application, and awarded campers are guaranteed a space.
- Who is eligible
- "People can apply for assistance for Hale Summer Camps, our Family & Community Program, and School Vacation Days." ... "No one's financial circumstances should prevent them from enjoying the great outdoors."
Financial aid
Charles River YMCA (YMCA of Greater Boston)
YMCA of Greater Boston Camp Financial Assistance / EEC Voucher
Financial assistance for YMCA of Greater Boston day camps; families may also use an EEC child care voucher or contract slot. Apply by contacting the camp billing email.
- Who is eligible
- "If your family would like to apply for financial assistance, will be using an EEC voucher or contract slot"
Scholarship
Needham Community Council
Needham Community Council extracurricular scholarship
Up to $500 per child per year toward an extracurricular activity, paid directly to the program or vendor; apply by paper form to the Council.
- Who is eligible
- "Any food pantry member aged 18 and under at the time they begin the class or program."
Financial aid
Needham Junior Football & Cheer
Needham Junior Football & Cheer financial assistance
Partial or full fee assistance for football and cheer, applied for on a one-page form emailed to the treasurer; conditions include selling raffle books and volunteering.
- Who is eligible
- "everyone should be able to participate in the program, regardless of their financial circumstances"
Financial aid
Needham Youth Field Hockey
Needham Youth Field Hockey financial assistance
Partial or full program-fee assistance awarded to a limited number of families each season; apply through the online form on the program's site.
- Who is eligible
- "everyone should be able to participate in our program, regardless of their financial circumstances"
College scholarship
The Exchange Club of Needham
Exchange Club Community Service Scholarship
A $3,000 college scholarship for a Needham senior who has made significant contributions to community service; an ACE award of $2,000 also exists.
- Who is eligible
- "college-bound Needham High School seniors or Private School seniors who are Needham residents are invited to apply for the Exchange Club Community Service Scholarship"
Scholarship
Plugged In Band Program
Plugged In scholarship program
Partial or full scholarship on any program piece, including private lessons, band class and summer camp, for families who cannot pay; contact Plugged In to apply.
- Who is eligible
- "EBT, WIC, ConnectorCare and SUN Bucks cardholders can receive a partial (minimum 50% discount) or full scholarship on all program pieces, including private lessons, band class, and summer camp."