Support the future for youth
Honor Liz Klohmann as she retires as IYB Director with a gift to FIYB
Honor IYB’s 75th with $75 Gift (or donate $750 or $7500!)
Celebrate Cass Park’s 50th with a $50 Gift (or donate $500 or $5000!)
Friends of the IYB is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
100% of your donation is tax deductible
Click here for pdf copy of 2023-24 appeal message
We hope you will join us having an impact on the Ithaca community, especially for our youth, by supporting the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) with a financial contribution and/or with your active participation, we can have a strong effect together!
Indeed during the nearly 15 years we’ve been active, 2500 donations have been made totaling $1.2 million. Since the FIYB organization has very low overhead costs, most funds are allocated to the IYB to use “wherever the need is greatest” or as designated by donors who wish to target specific parts of the IYB.
We appreciate the individuals, businesses and foundations that have been supportive of Recreation Support Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Scholarships, College Discovery Program, Outings, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Recreation, Recreation Scholarships, Expressive Arts Programs, and Youth Development (including Youth Employment Service and Youth Council). Many supported the Cass Park enclosure capital project open in 2022.
Another example was in 2020 when the IYB had to cease operations as the pandemic started. To restart, community members were very generous, and some gifts came through the United Way which was pivotal for Ithaca’s resiliency and support for those in most need.
This fall we are also encouraging gifts in honor of Liz Klohmann who is retiring as the IYB director after serving in this and other positions for more than 25 years. She has worked closely with the FIYB since our founding, and we will miss her!
Board President Jeff Love expressed how he feels about the IYB and FIYB’s impact: “It has been a tremendous privilege for me to be able to serve my community and its young people through support of the great people and programming of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.
The IYB has always held a special place in my heart. My story is not new. Or unique. I am just one of thousands who have been positively impacted by the support and programs provided by the Youth Bureau.”
Allen Green is a founding FIYB board member who retired after serving as the IYB director before Liz: “When developing the annual budgets, the IYB has always prioritized great staff and people. As a result, when budgets need to be cut it is often items like program supplies and equipment that are not funded. The generous donations from community members to the Friends of the IYB help with needed purchases.”
As part of the IYB’s 75th birthday this summer, young participants were asked for single words that describe their IYB experiences: Fun, Friends, Awesome, Adventure, Teamwork, Trust, Peers, Outdoors, Games, Helpful, and Support. Parents and caregivers also shared their appreciation:
“The IYB youth soccer program was extremely well organized, staff were super helpful, and the coach fostered an incredible introduction to soccer for our child and fellow athletes. We appreciate the commitment that each member of the IYB team has for the success of this program and each participant."
“Through the Climbing program, our child gained confidence, interest, skill and a sense of belonging in this community with whom he shared a common interest. He loved the challenge, the instructors and the opportunity to climb with new friends.”
“We were visiting Ithaca and had a great bike rental experience! Your program allowed us to see parts of your lovely city that we would not have been able to see. Everyone was very helpful and the bikes were in great condition.”
"Our family felt welcome and like we belonged; we look forward to joining more IYB programs now. There’s a really awesome sense of community!”
We have a track record of connecting community members who want to help our community’s future through the programs, services and facilities of the IYB. Please join them and us with your charitable gift.
With our best wishes in these challenging times,
Jeff Love, Mary Grainger, Allen Green, Eric Nichols, Priyanka Dwivedi
FIYB Board Members
P.S. There are many ways to show your support! Gifts can be made online 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!