2026 Financial Assistance Program Application

Financial Assistance Program Overview

PenMet Parks financial assistance program ensures broader access to PenMet Parks' fee-based recreation programs for all ages and all classes. In reducing the barriers for community access to these fee-based recreation programs, PenMet Parks further advances its mission.

Instructions

Eligibility is based on household size and annual income per HUD guidelines.
Applicants must provide income documentation for all adult household members (before taxes).
A household is defined as all individuals living at the same address.

Award Details

Eligible applicants may receive up to $400 per person, per calendar year.
Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis; availability of funds is not guaranteed.

Important Notes

Applications must be approved before registration.
The application does not register participants or hold program spots.
Registrations are processed in the order received.
Processing may take up to two weeks; applicants will be notified once reviewed.

Qualifying Guidelines for Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available on a tiered scale, offering 50% to 100% off program fees, up to $400 per person each year. Once the $400 limit is reached, standard program fees will apply.

Household Size	100% Discount	90% Discount	75% Discount	50% Discount
1	≤ $25,400	$25,401–$42,300	$42,301–$67,700	$67,701–$76,163
2	≤ $29,000	$29,001–$48,350	$48,351–$77,350	$77,351–$87,519
3	≤ $32,650	$32,651–$54,400	$54,401–$87,000	$87,001–$98,063
4	≤ $36,250	$36,251–$60,400	$60,401–$96,650	$96,651–$108,731
5	≤ $39,150	$39,151–$65,250	$65,251–$104,400	$104,401-$117,450
6	≤ $43,150	$43,151–$70,100	$70,101–$112,150	$112,151-$126,169
7	≤ $48,650	$48,651–$74,900	$74,901–$119,850	$119,851-$134,831
8	≤ $54,150	$54,151–$79,750	$79,751–$127,600	$127,601-$143,550

Hardship exceptions may apply If your family is faced with extraordinary bills, obligations, or other responsibilities.

Examples of Supporting Documents

PenMet Parks’ tiered financial assistance program is based on your annual household income. The documents you provide will help verify your eligibility level and determine your award amount.

Preferred Documentation

Please provide one or more of the following for all household income earners age 21 and older:

First page of IRS Form 1040 (most recent tax year)
Full tax return and/or W-2 forms
Pay stubs from the most recent month
Social Security Benefits Letter

Note: Please cross out any sensitive or confidential information (such as Social Security Numbers). We only need your name and income details.

Other Qualifying Documents (75% Assistance)

If you currently receive any of the following forms of assistance, your household automatically qualifies for 75% financial assistance:

Free or Reduced-Price School Meal Program
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
WIC Nutrition Program
Head Start and/or Early Head Start
Government-subsidized childcare or daycare
DSHS food stamp benefits
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)
HOME (Federal Housing Subsidy)
LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit)

Important Note: If you believe your household qualifies for more than 75% financial assistance, you will also need to submit one of the documents from the Preferred Documentation list above (such as a tax return or pay stubs) to verify your income level.

Qualifying Documents - File Upload*

Please cross out any sensitive information before submitting.

Primary Adult Information*

Rows	First Name	Last Name	Date of Birth
Primary Adult
Secondary Adult (if applicable)

Household Members (Please include all adults and children in the household)*

Rows	First Name	Last Name	Date of Birth	Scholarship Needed (Yes/No)
Household Member #1
Household Member #2
Household Member #3
Household Member #4
Household Member #5
Household Member #6

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email*

example@example.com

Household Size*

Total Household Yearly Income*

Hardship Exceptions

Hardship exceptions are available for individuals who may not normally qualify for financial assistance but have recently experienced significant challenges. PenMet Parks recognizes that some households face extenuating circumstances or sudden financial hardship that may require additional support.

Examples of hardships may include:

Job loss or reduction in work hours
Unexpected medical bills or expenses
Emergency caregiving responsibilities
Loss of housing or sudden relocation
Other significant and unforeseen financial burdens

If this applies to your situation, please complete the section below to request a hardship exception.

YesNo

50%75%90%100%

My income exceeds program eligibility guidelines, but I have experienced recent hardshipI need more than a 75% discount fee assistanceI have reached my annual financial assistance cap and would like to request additional fundsOther

Please provide a brief explanation of your need for a hardship exception

Additional Application Comments (If applicable)

I certify that all the above information is true and correct and that all income is reported. I attest that the full fee is a barrier to my participation and this award would make it possible for me to take part in the program or activity. I understand that this information is being given for the receipt of financial assistance and that staff may verify the information on the application. I have read and understand the Financial Assistance Policy Guidelines.

Signature*

Date*

Date

If you have questions about financial assistance eligibility or customizable payment plans, please contact us at scholarships@penmetparks.org or 253-858-3400.