Membership Home
Try the YMCA
Join the YMCA
Ways to Save
Membership Benefits
Financial Assistance

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening all in the Chester County community, no one is ever turned away from the YMCA due to an inability to pay. 

We’ve partnered with many health insurance companies and organizations to offer memberships at discounted rates. Additionally, through our fund-raising efforts, we offer income-based memberships and financial assistance for programs such as camp, childcare, swim lessons and more. Start your free YMCA membership trial today.

Insurance-Based Memberships

A low or no-cost YGBW membership may be available to you through your insurance provider, or you may be eligible for a special membership through Medicare or Medicaid. Contact your health insurer directly to determine your eligibility. Then bring your insurance card and photo ID to any of our branches to get started. We have partnerships with the following organizations:   

  • Health Plan Partners
  • One Pass™ 
  • Renew Active®
  • Silver&Fit®
  • SilverSneakers®
  • FitOn (beginning January 1, 2025)

U.S. Armed Forces

All members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a 10% discount on their monthly YGBW membership, as well as having their $99 join fee waived. Simply bring proof of your service and/or your DD214 form (veterans) to any YGBW branch.

Additionally, active duty service members on Title 10 who meet the eligibility requirements may be eligible to have the cost of their YGBW membership covered through the DOD Military Outreach Initiative. To receive a membership through the DOD Military Outreach Initiative, eligible military personnel need to submit the DOD Armed Services Membership application to their Military Component Approving Officer. Once approved, the MCAO will notify YGBW of approval and your membership can be started.

Public Safety Personnel Discounts

Public safety employees including police officers, firefighters, EMTs are eligible for a 10% discount on their monthly membership, as well as having their $99 join fee waived. To get started, simply bring proof of employment to any YGBW branch.

NFL Players Association & The Trust

The National Football League Players Association and The Players Trust (powered by the NFL PA) have partnered with the YMCA to offer memberships to former NFL players at no cost to the player. To determine eligibility, former players need to contact The Trust to obtain approval for their membership. Once you receive approval, bring a valid photo ID and proof of the membership received via email from The Trust (will contain your name, ID number and birthdate) to any YMCA of Greater Brandywine location. The Trust can be contacted at 866-725-0063 or at info@playerstrust.come.

Learn more.

Unite for Her

Through our partnership with Unite for Her, those with breast or ovarian cancer can receive a YGBW membership at no cost. Learn more about Unite for Her.

YGBW Staff

There are so many benefits to being an employee of the YMCA. To start, all YGBW employees receive a free YGBW membership! Learn more today. 

Corporate Wellness

Our corporate wellness program provides companies with many benefits for their employees—including access to YMCA360, our online virtual platform unlike any you’ve ever experienced, discounted membership rates and more. Learn more.

Income-Based Memberships

Income-based memberships are available to individuals and families who would like assistance in paying for their memberships and meet the following criteria:

  • Family Membership: Gross household income for all adults under $80,000 annually.
  • Individual Membership: Gross household income for all adults under $50,000 annually.

Stop by a Member Services Desk or call any one of our branches to request a confidential application. The following documents will also be needed:

  • Copy of last year’s federal tax return
  • Two recent copies of pay stubs OR social security/disability checks
  • Membership Application
  • Government-issued ID 

Seventh-Grade Initiative

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Seventh-Grade Initiative offers seventh-grade students in Chester County a complimentary youth membership for up to one year. Students are eligible once they graduate sixth grade through August 31st of their seventh-grade year. To get started, seventh-graders can visit the YMCA with a parent or guardian and show a copy of their school ID, roster or report card. 

Learn More

 

Financial Assistance for YMCA Programs

Financial assistance is available to individuals and families meeting who would like assistance paying for YMCA programs such as camp, childcare, swim lessons, sports leagues and more.
Stop by a Member Services Desk or call any one of our branches and to request a confidential application.

The following documents will be needed:

  • Copy of last year’s federal tax return
  • Two recent copies of pay stubs OR social security/disability checks
  • Government-issued ID

Thank you for your interest in YMCA membership. Contact information is available in each accordian above and may differ depending on discount. 

All general inquiries can be directed to staff at your preferred YMCA branch.