Wonderfund Can Help!

The Wonderfund is a private 501c3 nonprofit that exclusively serves children and teens engaged with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). All Wonderfund resources are accessible only through DCF social workers.

We support youth in foster care by providing essential resources and funding enriching experiences that bring confidence, dignity, and joy.

Wonderfund Access Card & YMCA Memberships

Wonderfund Access Card and YMCA benefits are available for youth in foster care, kinship, and pre-adoptive homes.

Wonderfund Access Card

The Wonderfund Access Card provides free and discounted opportunities for DCF foster families statewide.
- Explore our current list of Access Card partners!
The Access Card is mailed by the DCF Central Office to every active foster home in the month of December.
If you are an active DCF foster parent and need a Wonderfund Access Card, you can request one by emailing [email protected] and providing your full name and mailing address.

YMCA Memberships

Using the Wonderfund Access Card, youth in DCF foster care (ages 18 & under) are able to receive a one year membership to any Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs location.
DCF foster parents must accompany their foster children to their local YMCA. Present the Wonderfund Access Card and a valid ID at the welcome desk to register foster youth for one year of free access.
Important notes:
- The registration process must be repeated each year.
- If youth in DCF foster care would like to participate in activities not covered by the annual access (ex. swim lessons), funding is available through the Wonderfund’s enrichment grant program! Make a request through your DCF foster family social worker.
Learn more about YMCA memberships

Museum of Science Benefits

Pre-registered DCF foster families can enjoy free, unrestricted admission to the museum.

Active foster families are invited by email twice yearly to register for free admission to the Museum.
When registration is confirmed, the Wonderfund and Museum inform the families of their benefits.
Learn more about our partnership with the Museum of Science

Note: Museum of Science is not associated with the Access Card.

Enrichment Activity Funding

Wonderfund aims to keep kids active and engaged after school, on weekends, and during the summer.

Children can choose to explore a new extracurricular activity or continue participating in one they love– from summer camps to sports programs, music lessons to trade certifications, and more– and the Wonderfund can help you pay for the cost!

DCF foster parents can apply for funding through their DCF foster family social worker. The Wonderfund reviews applications for funding on a rolling basis and supports requests according to our funding parameters.

To apply, please contact your DCF foster family social worker.

Foster parents must provide their DCF foster family social worker with a detailed invoice from the service provider or vendor to apply for funding.
The vendor invoice must include –
- Vendor’s name, contact information, and address
- Child’s name, the chosen activity, dates of service, and the cost

Important notes:

Families should not pay for services directly, as reimbursement is unavailable.
Enrichment categories include camps, sports fees, art, music, dance lessons, certifications, and more.
Categories do not include transportation, electronics, daycare, and travel. Other exclusions may apply. Please contact your DCF foster family social worker with any questions about eligibility.

Emergency Essentials

For children who experience emergency home removal, Wonderfund makes available a duffle bag, new socks, underwear, PJs, “next day” clothing, and hygiene items.

Additionally, we provide specialized hygiene kits (textured hair care kits and period kits), and backpacks filled with school supplies.

Inventory and availability will vary by season and DCF area office. Contact your DCF foster family social worker for more information.

Wonderfund Holiday Gift Drive

Every holiday season, Wonderfund works to secure donations of toys and gift cards for children involved with DCF.

Contact your DCF foster family social worker to ensure every child’s holiday season is a little brighter.