How Friends Support Community’s Youth and Families
Friends of the IYB is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
100% of your donation is tax deductible
Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) in fulfilling its mission of offering Ithaca area participants from all backgrounds, walks of life, identities, abilities and lived experiences a broad range of recreation and youth development services, supports, and opportunities to enable them to thrive. The IYB is a public multi-service agency that promotes the health, happiness, and well-being of youth and families. Annually more than 7,500 youth, aged 0-20 years, participate. In addition to recreation and after school initiatives that serve the general youth population, IYB programs do strategic outreach to economically disadvantaged and under-served youth.
Gifts can be designated for one or more of the following programs, or for “area of greatest need”. Donate online below or by check.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mentoring program affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America establishes and nurtures friendships between caring, responsible adults and children with a need for such friendship.
Expressive Arts
Ruth Davis Expressive Arts provides a wide variety of creative opportunities accessible and inclusive for children and youth - instrumental and vocal music, drawing and painting, pottery, dancing, and theatre. Participants have fun while building confidence, artistry, and a sense of community.
Ithaca Youth Council
Teen “ambassadors” from Ithaca and Tompkins County who focus on civic engagement, community outreach, and peer leadership.
Outings Program
Outdoor adventure program that encourages teamwork, builds self-confidence, and fosters personal growth. Camping trips are an integral part.
Recreation - Sports, Tot Spot, Day Camps
Year-round recreation programming includes sports, lessons, camps, special events and more are offered for Ithaca residents and through the Recreation Partnership as well as the Early Childhood and Family Programs.
Recreation Support Services - Youth, Adult
Safe, skill-based recreational opportunities offer chances to make lasting friendships and develop independence. RSS helps individuals of all ages, primarily those with disabilities, achieve their goals for happiness and well-being.
RISE (Resilience, Identity, Support, Empowerment) Program
Middle and high school youth from marginalized communities access a combination of long- and short-term programming designed to foster resilience, build life skills, and strengthen social-emotional development. RISE (formerly CDP, PMSP and more) offers a safe and empowering environment where youth can explore their identities, build meaningful connections, and develop the tools needed to navigate challenges with empathy, purpose, and confidence.
Program Scholarships
Financial assistance is available for camps and programs that are fee-based, including ones donated in memory of Paul Scheurs.
Youth Employment Service
YES program meets teens where they are and connects them to opportunities to work, grow, and lead in their community.
With gratitude for your interest and support,
Jeff Love, Mary Grainger, Allen Green, Eric Nichols, Peter Tsung
FIYB Board Members
There are many ways to show your support! Gifts can be made online here or by check. In addition, we will can accept gifts of stocks and securities. Contact friendsiyb@gmail.com for details. THANK YOU!
Donate to our Annual Fund
Help support our mission to raise community awareness of and secure financial support for the services and programs of the Ithaca Youth Bureau -- donate to our annual campaign!
Designate a gift
Are you interested in designating a gift to a specific program or on behalf of a loved one or mentor? Consider designating a gift using the form below; FIYB will direct the funds to the program and/or in the name of the person of your choice!