Connect Card Program Details

The Connect Card is a program that provides youth and families an easy way to access existing community funds.

How does the program work?

Participating youth may use their Connect Card to access discounts from a variety of programs. Registering for a Connect Card means your child(ren)'s card(s) will be accepted with any affiliated program without the need to fill out additional paperwork.

A variety of discounts are available, based on each program's standards. The Connect Card will provide access to available funds through this very easy format. Participating agencies will set their own discount limits; consult with them if you have any questions. Some programs may not be eligible for a discount; please inquire about specific programs before registering.

Who is eligible to participate? 

To qualify, participants must qualify for ConnectBenefits, which fall in line with the Federal Standards for Free or Reduced price meals, or they must have a financial hardship that prevents full payment of a program fee, and must live and/or go to school in Edina. The graph below shows the standards for 2024-2025.

How do I apply for my child(ren)?

Sign up online or print and fill out the form and mail to Edina Community Foundation, 4801 W 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424.

What happens to my information?

Information is submitted online with encryption to a secure server. Information provided via mail will be kept in a secure and confidential manner. Your information will only be shared with other participating organizations and ONLY if a significant need for access is proven.


When can my child(ren) start using a Connect Card?

When your eligibility has been verified (usually within a week), you will receive a letter of notification and your Ready-Set-Connect Card. This card should be presented at the time of registration for any of the participating programs.

Partners

  • City of Edina

  • Southdale YMCA

  • Edina Baseball Association

  • Edina Basketball Association

  • Edina Girls Athletic Association

  • Edina Football Association

  • Edina Lacrosse Association

  • Edina Ultimate (Frisbee)

  • Edina Volleyball Association

Partner Benefits

Connect Card program partners determine and fund their own scholarship programs. Program partner scholarship dollars will be available on a first come, first served basis. Scholarship dollars are non-transferable between program partners. Please read information fully.


Southdale YMCA (www.ymcamn.org/Locations/Southdale_YMCA)

  • 5-40% off the membership rate based on income. A 1040 tax form must be presented to determine eligibility.


City of Edina (https://www.edinamn.gov/1821/Parks-Recreation)

  • $300/family per year

  • Connect Card qualifying families will receive $300 per year to spend on program registration, memberships, season passes, community garden or special events. If the cost of the service(s) is higher than $300, the recipient is responsible for the additional fees.

  • Programs run all year long, and registrations remain open until filled.

  • Spring/Summer programs: registration begins mid-February

  • Fall/Winter programs: registration begins mid-August


    Click here to find an activity. Additional questions? Call 952-826-0367, or email jcanton@EdinaMN.gov.


Edina Basketball (www.edinabasketball.com)

  • K-8th Grade In-house program

  • 3rd - 8th Grade Travel league

  • 9th-12th Grade Rec. league

    Connect Card holders pay nothing for K-12 in-house and rec. leagues. The EBA will cover $300 in travel fees for 4th grade players, and $450 in travel fees for kids in 5th-8th grade. The remainder of the travel registration fees are the responsibility of the family. Any additional clinic fees will be the responsibility of the player's family. To help off-set additional travel and clinic fees, Edina Give and Go may be able to help. Contact them at https://edinagiveandgo.org.


Edina Baseball (www.edinabaseball.com)

Summer

  • 3rd-9th Grade Travel league

  • 4th-9th Grade Rec. league

  • 10th-12th Grade Legion

  • 16-18 Year olds - Senior Day League

  • Pre-K - 3rd Grade Midsummer Evening

    Connect Card holders will pay $50 in registration fees for all programs

    Players are responsible for uniform pieces (baseball pants, socks, belt, glove)

Travel players will pay an additional $50 in travel fees. Uniform pieces (baseball pants, socks, batting helmet, belt, cleats, glove), team assessment, hotel stay(s) for out-of-town tournaments

To help offset travel fees, Edina Give & Go may be able to help. Contact them at https://edinagiveandgo.org.

Close dates for registration vary by program. Check the EBA website (www.edinabaseball.com). Connect Card registration must be completed by the registration closed date for summer baseball.

Fall

  • 2nd-5th Grade Fall League

Registration for the fall program opens in July and runs through mid August. Normal fees are $120. Players with the Connect Card will pay $50.


Edina Girls Athletic Association (www.egaa.org)

  • Spring Volleyball, 4th-12th Grade Girls

  • Spring Kickball, 4th-12th Grade Girls

  • Fall Flag Football, 4th-12th Grade Girls

  • Run Club

  • Ongoing Seminars

    Registration fees are paid in full by the EGAA for Connect Card holders.


Edina Football Association (www.edinasports.org)

  • 2nd-3rd Grade Flag Football

  • 6th-12th Grade Flag Football

  • 4th-8th Grade Tackle Football

  • Other costs NOT covered by scholarships: Equipment

    Connect Card holders play for free

    All players with financial hardship that do not qualify for a Connect Card pay 50% of the normal fees.

Edina Ultimate (www.EDINAULTIMATE.org)

  • 5-8, 9-12 Girls and Boys

    Connect Card holders get their registration fee, USA Ultimate fee, and uniforms paid for by the Ultimate program. Financial help with travel costs may be covered by the program.

Edina Volleyball Association (www.edinavolleyball.org)

  • 4th-11th Grade Girls

    Connect Card holders get a reduced fee for all programs.

Edina Lacrosse Association (www.edinalacrosse.com)

  • K-8th Grade Boys

  • K-8th Grade Girls

    Connect Card holders get a reduced fee for all programs.

Become a Partner

To register your organization to participate in the Connect Card program, please download and complete the following forms:

The Partnership Agreement provides an overview of the program, and is an agreement of participation between your organization and the Edina Community Foundation, and the Partnership Application  is a description of your program(s) and scholarship plan. Click HERE to download both forms.

Contact Siena Shull at sshull@edinacommunityfoundation.org for information.

Completed forms should be sent to:

Edina Community Foundation, 4801 W 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424