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PLAY Scholarship Fund

The PLAY Scholarship Fund was created because the City of Columbus believes all kids deserve the chance to play regardless of ability to pay. Financially-challenged families with children 18 years and younger can apply for a PLAY Scholarship for any fee-based program offered through Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Click here for the PLAY Scholarship Fund factsheet.

Support the PLAY Scholarship Fund

Find information below on how PLAY Scholarships can be used for our camps, classes and sports leagues.

Summer Camps

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is committed to offering an equitable camp experience and provides financial assistance for families across most of our camp programs. The amount of aid provided is determined by household size and total income. Participants may qualify to receive a 25%, 50%, or 100% percent fee discount. To apply, simply select the financial aid option during registration, and upload the required documentation to ePACT for eligibility verification.

Proof of Eligibility

  • To qualify for financial assistance, you must provide proof of income through one of the following documents:
  • A copy of your most recent federal income tax return.
  • If you are not required to file a federal income tax return, you may submit any of the following:
    • Public Assistance, Cash, or Nutrition Benefits Award Letter, or a verified letter from a Job and Family Services (JFS) caseworker with documented income information.
    • Official letter from a JFS case worker, confirming income value.
    • SSA-1099 Social Security or Social Security Disability year-end statement.
    • 1099G Unemployment Compensation year-end statement.
    • Child Support Enforcement year-end statement.
  • Important: Supporting documentation MUST include relevant information for both parent/guardian and campers.
  • *Gross adjusted Income must be less than, or equal to the amounts below to certify eligibility. The Gross Adjusted Income must be shown on the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.

Classes

PLAY Scholarships will fund one class per session for each eligible participant up to a maximum of $20 depending on the program. The applicant will be responsible for any fees above and beyond this amount and will need to pay at the time of registration. This level of support is subject to change on an annual basis.

Parent/legal guardian must register in person at their local community center and provide proof of eligibility.

Sports Leagues

PLAY Scholarships will reduce the league fee. The applicant will be responsible for any fees above and beyond this amount. This level of support is subject to change on an annual basis.

Parent/legal guardian must register in person at their local community center and provide proof of eligibility.

Proof of Eligibility

PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY

  • Copy of current Medicaid, CareSource or Molina insurance card
  • Copy of current EPPI Card
  • Copy of the most recent federal income tax return (scale based upon HUD Section 8 guidelines)

Number of Dependents Claimed on Federal Income Tax Return-Adjusted Gross Income

2-$41,350

3-$46,500

4-$51,650

5-$55,800

6-$59,950

7-$64,050

8-$68,200

As of January 1, 2025

Brian S. Casey Memorial Jr. Golf Membership

Columbus youth, 18 years old and younger, may annually apply for the Brian S. Casey Memorial Jr. Golf Membership. Applicants must still be enrolled in school and recipients of the membership will be given the opportunity to play (unlimited weekday golf and weekends 50% off) for one year at any of CRPD’s six municipal golf courses.

Applications are currently closed.

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