FYF
The Federated Youth Foundation (FYF) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1971 to administer a trust that Wisconsin co-ops of all kinds, including electric co-ops, use to support a wide variety of community projects.
Funding comes from unclaimed capital credits—or patronage—from cooperatives of all sorts, and what we then do in turn is provide that money back to the communities where it came from. That is done in the form of scholarships, which are the biggest piece of it, but then also charitable giving in the form of gifts to police departments, libraries, all sorts of nonprofit organizations, food pantries, and the list goes on and on.
In fiscal year 2021-22, FYF funds provided for 644 college scholarships and 337 charitable contributions distributed in co-op communities throughout Wisconsin.
Funding comes from unclaimed capital credits—or patronage—from cooperatives of all sorts, and what we then do in turn is provide that money back to the communities where it came from. That is done in the form of scholarships, which are the biggest piece of it, but then also charitable giving in the form of gifts to police departments, libraries, all sorts of nonprofit organizations, food pantries, and the list goes on and on.
In fiscal year 2021-22, FYF funds provided for 644 college scholarships and 337 charitable contributions distributed in co-op communities throughout Wisconsin.
Federated Youth Foundation Reports Record Year
November 12, 2024—Just before WECA’s Annual Meeting, Federated Youth Foundation held its annual event. Board Chair Carol Blaken kicked off the meeting. FYF Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Clark announced the organization is in strong financial shape due to significant growth in member contributions and investment income. Member contributions topped $1.89 million, breaking the record set in 2021-22, which was just under $1.6 million. FYF ended the year with a record $6.76 in total assets. |
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Federated Youth Foundation Board President Carol Blaken, Jackson Electric Cooperative
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FYF was instrumental in WECA’s efforts to assist impacted cooperatives following hurricane Helene, providing $36,250 toward humanitarian aid.
Dawn Bausch of Cooperative Network was named to replace previous board director Dan Smith. Monica Obrycki of Eau Claire Energy and Damian Girten of United Cooperative were both nominated and elected to open board seats.
In his remarks FYF Executive Director Rob Richard talked about strides made at FYF over the past year, and said 2024 allocations will be out shortly, upon completion of an audit, as they work to ensure the Foundation continues to run as efficiently as possible.
He emphasized the strong financial position of the organization. “When the markets do well, we do well, and we had a really, really, really good year,” Richard said, adding that they continue working to keep expenses as low as possible.
L to R: Former FYF Board Member Marian Trescher (Rock Energy Cooperative), Carol Blaken, and WECA
Vice Chairman and Rock Energy Cooperative and WECA Board Member Barb Miller.
Vice Chairman and Rock Energy Cooperative and WECA Board Member Barb Miller.
Richard also announced the board decided to increase the amount granted under the Van Sickle Scholarship from $2,000 to $5,000.
Richard, who was recently named WECA President and CEO, said he intends to continue in the role as FYF Executive Director.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Rob Richard, Executive Director
Federated Youth Foundation
(608) 467-4649
fyf@weca.coop
Mailing Address:
Federated Youth Foundation
6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102
Middleton, WI 53562-2200
