Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Chicago Smelts believe the water belongs to everyone. As a non-profit focused on the mission of promoting swimming in an LGBTQ+ inclusive environment, we strongly believe that our membership should be accessible to all members of our community.

Through the generous support of our team sponsors and our year-round fundraising efforts, we are proud to offer scholarships to those in need of financial assistance. Our goal is to ensure that Smelts membership is accessible to anyone interested in swimming with the team, regardless of their current financial circumstances.

How to Apply:

  1. Submit the Form: Chicago Smelts Financial Assistance Application - Membership

  2. Holistic Review: The Board’s executive committee reviews each request individually, looking at the whole circumstances of the individual applicant. You can expect a response within one week of your submission.

  3. Quarterly Structure: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and scholarships are granted for the full or remainder of the quarter.