Financial Assistance Policy

PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
  The Williston Recreation & Parks Department recognizes that there are Williston residents who are financially unable to participate in recreation programs offered by the Department but still desire the opportunity to experience the benefits of leisure activities.  The Department has established a Financial Assistance Program as a supplement to funds to make recreation programs available to Williston Families.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
   Williston residents who are experiencing financial difficulty or who are in a unique, hardship situation are eligible to apply for assistance.  It is understood that from time to time families may encounter some unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances.  During these times financial assistance may be needed to help a family meet some recreational needs.  If you feel you need assistance, but do not meet the income guidelines, you may attach a letter to your application stating your circumstances.  These are special circumstances and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

WHICH PROGRAMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?
   All Williston Recreation and Parks sponsored programs and camps are eligible.  Assistance cannot be used toward facility/field rentals.  Assistance can be given to outside source programs or camps if the entity who is offering the program or camp is offering financial assistance.  Outside source programs or camps are offered by a business or individual who does not work for the Department.

HOW DOES THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WORK?
  Approved individuals or families will be awarded in 70%, 50%, or 30% increments, not to exceed $200 per year, for Recreation sponsored programs. (Day Camps have a different threshold of the amount a family can be awarded).  The remaining balance shall be paid by the applicant. Once the necessary paperwork is completed for eligibility, it will stay on file for one calendar year. Applications will continue to be accepted until available scholarship funding is exhausted for the year. Financial Assistance will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis while funding is available.    

WHAT IS THE INCOME DOCUMENTATION NEEDED?
   The income verification documentation that is needed is: 

• Yearly Salary/Wages- Attach a copy of the first page of your federal and state income tax returns for the most current filing year.  

A New application will be required each January regardless of which season the original application was provided.  Once the necessary paperwork is received for eligibility, it will stay on file until the end of the calendar year. 

INCOME GUIDELINE
   The Income Guideline that is used is from the State Free & Reduced Meals site.  It is updated annually in September.  

HOW TO APPLY
   Families must complete a Financial Assistance Application, one per family for the calendar year, January 1- December 31.  Complete and up-to-date income verification must be provided with the application.  Applications are available on the Recreation website.  For confidentiality purposes, please be sure to submit the application and paperwork in a sealed envelope.  Scholarship requests must be submitted to the Recreation Office at least two weeks (10 business days) before the start of a program.

**Application- Financial Assistance- Click Here

Steps to Apply for Financial Assistance
  1. Fill out the "Request for Financial Assistance Application".
  2. Send in with proof of income- see requirements on the Application.
  3. Create a Household Account on the Recreation website if needed.
  4. If you have an account or just created one- Now Register for the program/camp that you want.
  5. At Checkout choose the "Offline Payment Option".  This will create a pending registration.
  6. Finally email Recreation that you have completed these steps

Once you have submitted the application and registered for the program/camp that you want to attend the Department will review your Application and request and will be in touch with you.
 
 Income Guideline for Sept-Aug, 2024-2025