Financial Assistance Policy
Due to the overwhelming demand for financial assistance, limited financial aid is available.
In order to best serve all participants in our youth sports program, CYFL will refer all families seeking financial aid to the Day Dreams Foundation or the Voluntary Action Center.
Please see information below for both organizations.
Day Dreams Foundation Scholarship(s)
To apply, families should do the following:
- Fill out the application, available to download HERE. Also available to fill out online HERE. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of when money is due.
- Provide at least ONE letter of recommendation for the child from a non-family member. The best letters typically come from teachers, coaches, counsellors, school administrators, case workers, etc. This can be submitted by mail or email to tricia@daydreamsfoundation.org.
- Submit a copy of letter/form from the child's school indicating child qualifies for Free or Reduced lunch at school. Or you can provide proof of all family income.
Other Requirements
If the application is approved, parent/guardian AND child will need to meet with a representative from the Day Dreams Foundation to go over the scholarship and sign paperwork. At this meeting, parent/guardian should provide a copy of the child's birth certificate or any form listing the child's date of birth to verify age.
Questions? Contact Tricia Koedel at tricia@daydreamsfoundation.org.
Other Important Notes
Please know that the Day Dreams Foundation makes every effort to approve all children that qualify. However, we are often not able to award 100% of the registration fee - the minimum amount we will award is 50% of the registration fee.
For 2020 only, we are waiving the free and reduced lunch requirement for those families that have experienced job loss of significant financial hardship due to COVID-19.
If you are in need of equipment such as cleats or mouthguards, please indicate that on the application. To ensure that all CYFL equipment is turned back in, the Day Dreams Foundation DOES NOT issue checks for the $100 equipment deposit.
Submitting an application for funding DOES NOT register your child for CYFL. You will still need to register via the CYFL website.
Voluntary Action Center- Youth Enrichment Fund
Voluntary Action Center's Youth Enrichment Fund
Provides scholarships for youth activities
Amount available:
$50.00 per child, per 12 month period
Examples of activities funded:
· sports team registration or uniforms
· gymnastics or swimming lessons
· art and theater programs
· music lessons or instrument rental
· summer camp fees
These are just a few examples. If you have a specific need, please contact VAC to see if we can help!
How to apply:
Interested persons must visit the VAC office to apply for a scholarship. Assistance cannot be provided once the published registration deadline has passed. All applicants must bring:
· Proof of income (the program is for low-income families)
· Identification for everyone in the household.
· Proof of address
· The completed registration form for the activity your child will attend, showing the activity cost, the name and address of the business, and the dates of the activity. For assistance with items such as team shoes, bring a price quote from the store where it will be purchased.
Support the Fund:
Donations are always welcome, as the Youth Enrichment Fund is supported entirely by gifts from generous individuals and groups. Even a small amount can make a big difference in a child's life.
Voluntary Action Center
403A Vandiver Drive
Columbia, MO 65202
573-874-2273
www.vacmo.org