Apply for a Scholarship

***Day Camp 2026: Applications received after March 9 2026 will not be processed in time for Day Camp registration***

We offer assistance to eligible San Francisco residents through our Recreation Scholarship Program. Eligibility in our Scholarship Program gives low income residents to at least a 50% discount and as much as 100% off program registration. Families can enroll by meeting income level restrictions and by submitting documentation of enrollment in other subsidized programs. Scholarships are offered to all of our programs, including Cultural Arts Programs; Community Service Programs such as Tiny Tots; Athletics Programs such as Girls Sports, and Leisure Services Programs such as Aquatics or Outdoor Recreation.

In 2007 the Recreation and Parks Commission established a scholarship program in an effort to ensure that San Francisco residents are not denied the benefits of public recreation due to the inability to pay. The Recreation and Parks Commission believes that every resident should have the opportunity to take part in public recreational programs and classes, which foster human development, promote health and wellness and increase cultural unity.

The scholarship policy establishes the eligibility requirements and determines scholarship levels criteria, which applies to all San Francisco Recreation and Park Department programs for which a fee is charged. The Scholarship Program will serve children, youth, adults, and seniors.

Scholarships and/or financial aid may not be applied to Camp Mather camping reservations, facility rentals or point of sale items, except for pool swim passes.

Eligibility for scholarships and/or financial aid may only be determined by any designee(s) of the Recreation and Parks General Manager. Once eligibility has been established, a household’s account will reflect that eligibility. Eligibility for scholarships must be established every 2 years by meeting eligibility and verification requirements. Scholarship eligibility will be valid for 2 years from the date of inception.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

1. Applicants must live in San Francisco.
2. Applicant’s household must have an income equal to or less than 250% of the current federal poverty level, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Federal Poverty Guidelines OR a household with income equal to or less than 50% of the Area Median Income of San Francisco.
3. Youth in Foster Care, people who are unhoused, or families living in Public Housing are also eligible.

Federal Poverty Guidelines 2025

HOW DO I APPLY or RENEW?

To apply for a scholarship, fill out the Scholarship application and include all qualifying documents (found below). 

Please fill out the application completely by including all family members’ information and the person who is filling out the application. You will be required to provide verification of SF residency and household income OR grant permission for SF Rec & Park qualified staff to access to the Human Services Agency verification.

Application processing time will vary and can take up to two weeks. **Applications received after March 9 2026 will not be processed in time for Day Camp registration. Scholarships are not retroactive. 

Scholarship Agreement Forms:

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INCOME ELIGIBILITY 

1. Residency:  Applicants can prove eligibility by providing a picture identification matching the name on a utility bill.
2. Applicants can prove income eligibility by providing:

• Prior year income tax return
• Current SSI (Supplemental Security Income) statement

For each member of a qualifying household, programs will be subsidized accordingly, based on request and determination by the Scholarship Coordinator of the appropriate scholarship level. Scholarship recipients may be withdrawn from the program and become ineligible for future scholarship due to “no show,” excessive absences, and/or excessive late withdrawals as determined by the Scholarship Coordinator.

50% Scholarship

Extends 50% off all programs to households who meet the Income Eligibility Requirements. 

75% Scholarship
Applicant must provide two Public Assistance Program verifications.
Extends 75% of individual program cost to adults who meet the eligibility criteria; the household participants are in two or more government subsided programs.

100% Scholarship
Applicant must provide two Public Assistance Program verifications 

Extends 100% of program cost to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria; the household participants are in two or more government subsidized programs; and the scholarship recipient is either a child under the age of 18 years old or a senior citizen over the age of 65. Also applies to youth up to age 21 in Foster Care, people who are unhoused, and families living in public housing.

VERIFICATION for 75% or 100% Scholarship

Required documentation confirming participation in any of the San Francisco Human Services Agency (H.S.A.) administered programs is as follows:

• MediCal— provide current Notice of Action letter
• CalWORKS— provide current Notice of Action letter
• CalFresh— provide current Notice of Action letter
• Public Housing Authority— provide rent receipt
• Foster Care— provide court order letter
• Unhoused— Homeless Coalition/Homeless Advocate/Homeless Prenatal Care or other agency’s letterhead verification letter

Recreation and Parks is grateful for the tremendous support of the Mayor's Office, the Recreation and Park Commission, the San Francisco Parks Trust and our many other friends for enabling us to offer access to all San Franciscans to our recreation activities through the Recreation Scholarship Program. No applicant will be turned away for lack of funds.