Financial Assistance/Scholarship Program

General Information

  • Financial Assistance will be awarded on a yearly basis. 
  • Applicants will only need to complete the scholarship application once/year.
  • Applications will begin to be accepted January 2, 2024.
  • Applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee.
  • Applicants will be notified of approval and Tier or rejection via email no later than seven (7) business days following application submission.
  • Once awarded scholarship, scholarship holders must submit scholarship registration paperwork in person at the Guest Services Desk prior to the registration deadline for any applicable programs if space allows.
  • The Guest Services Manager will follow up with a tentative confirmation email that will include the out of pocket amount and information on how the payment should be made. If payment is not received by the provided deadline, enrollment will be forfeited.

Purpose of the Financial Assistance Program
Wheeling Park District provides financial assistance scholarships to residents who are interested in enrolling in an eligible Park District program, but unable to do so due to financial hardships. Based on availability of funds, the Park District will attempt to provide financial assistance to those who qualify based on the eligibility requirements. Financial assistance will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on need as well as availability of funds.

Qualifications and Limitations for Financial Assistance

  • Financial Assistance is available to Wheeling Park District residents only
  • Applications and supporting documents must be submitted once for the calendar year.
  • Applications should be completed, submitted, and approved before registration for programs with scholarship coverage should be requested. An award letter outlining coverage and details on how to register using financial assistance will be received if application is approved.
  • Financial assistance is available for all non-contractual general recreation programs. One day programs, special events, and contractual programs do not apply.
  • Contractual programs list the name of the outside organization running the program in the program guide and website.
  • Placement in requested programs is based on availability as of the date registration paperwork is submitted in person with a Guest Services Representative.
  • The participant’s payment, which will be outlined in a tentative confirmation email, is due by the deadline provided in the email before registration can be finalized.
  • Failure to pay the out of pocket amount by the deadline will result in removal from the program. Future enrollment opportunities would be as space allows.
  • Delinquency on participant’s portion of the payment will result in ineligibility for future program participation and/or financial assistance.
  • All registration policies and procedures apply to financial assistance/scholarship applicants.

Application Procedures

  • Those who are seeking financial assistance must complete the Financial Assistance Application Form for the calendar year and submit the application and supporting documents in person at the Community Recreation Center Guest Services Desk no later than two weeks prior to the registration deadline for the program they would like to register for.
  • Applications cannot be considered without submission of completed paperwork and all the documents listed on the application. Guest Services can make copies if needed.
  • The Park District may require additional documents if deemed necessary.
  • The applications will be individually reviewed. If approved, the applicants will be notified within one week after submission of the completed application at which point a letter outlining coverage, participant responsibilities, and eligible programs will be emailed and mailed.
  • Once approved, the proper program registration form(s) must be submitted in person at Guest Services for each eligible program(s). The Guest Services Manager will review. If the program is available and qualifies for financial assistance, an email will be sent with a tentative confirmation and details on how payment for the participant’s portion can be collected.

The participant’s portion must be successfully collected by the deadline provided in the tentative confirmation email or enrollment will be forfeited.
If you have a medical or other reason you cannot participate in activity, it shall be the responsibility of the recipient (or their legal parent/guardian) to inform the park district of this conflict in participation. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your award.

Eligibility Guidelines
The following household size and pre-tax income criteria will be used to determine initial eligibility for financial assistance. Other factors such as current participation in public aid, food stamp programs, subsidized housing, excessive medical bills etc. may also be considered in determining eligibility. To qualify, annual household income must be less than the values below. The chart is updated annually and may change year to year based on the chart provided by US Department of Agriculture guidelines.

Tier 1 (Fed Poverty x 150%)Tier 2 (Feb Poverty x 200%)
Persons in HHAnnual Pre-Tax IncomeAnnual Pre-Tax Income
1$21,870$29,160
2$29,580$39,440
3$37,290$49,720
4$45,000$60,000
5$52,710$70,280
6$60,420$80,560
7$68,130$90,840
8$75,840$101,120
9+Add. $5,140 Per PersonAdd. $8,399 Per Person

The following is the definition of income: Income is defined as any money earned before any deductions such as income taxes, social security taxes, insurance premiums, charitable contributions, and bonds. It includes the following: (1) monetary compensation for services including wages, salary, commissions, or fees; (2) net income from non-farm self-employment; (3) net income from farm self-employment; (4) social security; (5) dividends or interest on savings or bonds or income from estates or trusts; (6) net rental income; (7) public assistance or welfare payments; (8) unemployment compensation; (9) government civilian employee or military retirement or pensions or veteran payments; (10) private pensions or annuities; (11) alimony or child support payments; (12) regular contributions from persons not living in the household; (13) net royalties; and (14) other cash income. Other cash income would include cash amounts receved or withdrawn from any source including savings, investments, trust accounts, and other resources which would be available to pay for registration.

Maximum Coverage
Upon approval, applicants will receive the below coverage on the following eligible programs until their annual maximum coverage for the calendar year is reached.

Tier 1 ($1,500 Maximum Coverage)Tier 2 ($750 Maximum Coverage)
Seasonal Programs75% Non Contractual Programs50% Non Contractual Programs
BASR50% School Year25% School Year
Preschool50% School Year25% School Year
Summer Camp50% Summer Day Camps25% Summer Day Camps

Once approved, the proper program registration form(s) must be submitted in person at Guest Services for each eligible program(s). The Guest Services Manager will review. If the program is available and qualifies for financial assistance, an email will be sent with a tentative confirmation and details on how payment for the participant’s portion can be collected. The participant’s portion must be successfully collected by the deadline provided in the tentative confirmation email or enrollment will be forfeited.