FYF
federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FYF is here to serve your
cooperative or mutual organization if operating in the state of Wisconsin. Contributions received from Foundation members are accounted for separately under the name of that cooperative, except for that portion of a contribution the donor may voluntarily place in a general fund, known as the Cooperative Education and Training Fund.
Your cooperative has the right to forfeit its unclaimed funds for use in your community or for other worthy charitable causes. Has your cooperative been exercising this right? If not, the FYF can assist you with the procedure necessary to take advantage of this opportunity and will, at nominal cost, administer your funds and distribute them at your request for scholarships or charitable purposes.
FYF is a vehicle for receiving unclaimed property, gifts, and donations from individuals, cooperatives, and mutual insurance companies.
The Foundation is governed by a board of seven directors, elected by the membership. Funds are invested with Homestead Funds. A minimal amount of earnings is used to pay administrative expenses. Some earnings can also be allocated to the Cooperative Education and Training Fund to fund scholarships, charitable gifts, and board-approved special projects geared toward cooperative-centric programs and activities. All remaining earnings are allocated to member accounts based on average quarterly balances.
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.![]() |
|
Federated Youth Foundation Board President Carol Blaken, Jackson Electric Cooperative
|
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.

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
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



