Simple, Fast,
No Red Tape
We built SAYA to be easy for families and accountable for donors. Here is exactly how it works from application to first practice.
How to Apply for Assistance
Getting help for your child takes five steps. The whole process is designed to be fast and respectful of your time.
Submit an Application
A parent or guardian fills out a short application on our website. We ask about the child, the activity they want to participate in, and your household situation. No lengthy paperwork — just the basics.
We Review Your Request
Our team personally reviews every application. We look at the activity, the program, and the need. We may reach out with a quick follow-up question. Most families hear back within a few business days.
We Vet the Program
Before funds go anywhere, we verify the program meets SAYA safety standards. We check for background-screened coaches, safe environments, and age-appropriate activities. Your child only goes somewhere we trust.
Funds Go Directly to the Program
SAYA pays the program directly — registration fees, uniforms, equipment, or whatever the barrier is. Money never passes through the family. This keeps things simple, transparent, and accountable.
Your Child Gets to Play
That is it. Your child shows up, participates, and gets every benefit that sport or activity has to offer — confidence, teamwork, discipline, and joy.
What We Pay For
Cost should never be the reason a child sits on the sideline. Here is what SAYA covers.
Not sure if your need qualifies? Reach out and we will talk it through.
How Your Donation Works
When you give to SAYA, you are not funding overhead or administration. You are funding a specific child's ability to participate.
100% to Kids
Every dollar donated goes toward a child's participation. We keep overhead lean on purpose.
Direct-to-Program Payments
Funds are paid directly to vetted programs — never handed as cash to families.
No Income Verification Hoops
We ask about need, but we do not require tax returns or bureaucratic documentation.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Every contribution puts a child on the field, court, stage, or mat.
Privacy and Dignity Statement
SAYA Access Fund was created to help children access and continue in sports, arts, and youth activities with dignity.
We understand that asking for support can feel personal. Families should never feel embarrassed, exposed, or judged for needing help with participation costs. Our goal is to remove barriers, not create shame.
Information shared in your application will be kept private and used only to review your request, verify approved participation costs, communicate with the selected youth organization when needed, and process support if your application is approved.
SAYA will not publicly share your child's name, your family's identity, financial situation, hardship details, photos, or story without your written permission.
Whenever possible, approved funds are paid directly to the youth organization or provider on behalf of the child or family.
Families receiving support are not identified publicly to other families, participants, or community members.
Referrals from coaches, programs, neighbors, teachers, or community members are welcome, but families must choose to apply before SAYA reviews a request or contacts a youth organization.
"We believe every child deserves a safe place to try, grow, belong, and keep going. Asking for help should never take away a family's dignity."
Still Have Questions?
We are a small, people-first organization. If something is unclear or your situation does not fit neatly into the process above, just reach out. A real person will respond.