Apply for Financial Assistance

I understand that participation in recreation programs can involve vigorous activity. A thorough physical examination is recommended. I hereby assume all risk and hazards incidental to participation in the above mentioned program(s), including transportation to and from all activities and, do so hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify and agree to hold harmless the Town of Chapel Hill, its officers, agents and employees, the coaches and co-sponsors from any claims, arising out of injury to the above named participants(s). I further certify that I am physically fit to participate in this program or activity and have not been otherwise informed by a physician. In addition, I give my permission to UNC Hospitals and/or other licensed medical facilities to provide treatment as deemed necessary by them. Photo Policy: Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to photograph program participants for publicity purposes. This waiver is valid for a period of one year from date of agreement.

To qualify for a reduction in program fees, you must:

• Live within Chapel Hill Town limits OR within Orange County
  • Non-residents are not eligible
• Submit a Financial Assistance Application in writing
  • Let us know if you need help filling out the application
  • Don’t email it to us – email is not confidential. (All Financial Assistance information and supporting documents are kept strictly confidential)
  • Drop off the application at one of the locations on the application.

• If you qualify for financial assistance, you’ll pay either 25%, 50% or 90% of the total program fee based on your household size and income. Check the Financial Assistance Eligibility Scale below.
• Some programs do not accept fee reductions.
• Payment is due when you register.

• What to include: Include all financial resources for your household received on an annual basis, including all pay, allowances, child support, pensions, disability, social security and unemployment benefits, grants, student loans, self-employment, savings, personal funds, stipends.
• Household Verification: We’ll verify household members through one of the following methods: the Chapel Hill Department of Public Housing, Orange County Department of Social Services, a school social worker, your Federal Income Tax Return (dependents) and pay stubs, Visiting Scholar J-1 and J-2 Visas plus sponsor documentation, or RSI residence confirmation.

When applying for a fee reduction, you must provide documentation of your financial status at the time of application. We might deny incomplete applications. Use one of the following methods for your verification:

• I live in Town of Chapel Hill Public Housing: We will contact Public Housing to verify your application.
• Either an immediate family member or I currently receive SNAP, Work First or Medicaid benefits from Orange County DSS: Either you’ll provide your OCDSS approval letter, or we will contact OCDSS: Social Security #                                               
• Federal tax return and pay stubs: Provide a copy of last year’s Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) and two current pay stubs.
• School social work: Provide us a signed letter from your child’s school social worker who has verified your family members and financial resources. 
• Visiting Scholar: Provide copies of your and your dependent’s Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1 and J-2) Status forms, sponsor letters from the U.S. academic institution and your home institution/scholarship organization. 
• Chapel Hill Residential Services, Inc.: We’ll need a signature from an RSI staff member.

Questions about this policy? Call us at (919) 968 – 2784

Every Kid Sports Pass, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, provides income-restricted families financial assistance to cover player registration fees and help ensure every kid in the community has a chance to play in a league next season. Every kid deserves the chance to play sports. To qualify, your child:

• must be currently enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP or WIC.
• is between the ages of 4-18.
• is applying for a recreational sport, not elite or travel.
• is part of a sports season that lasts at least 4 weeks. 

Apply today!