Foundation For Youth

Our Mission: To Inspire and Enable Our Youth, Our Community
Our Vision: Be a community leader empowering our youth to build healthy and productive futures through access to world class programs and facilities; made possible by professional staff and committed supporters.

Foundation For Youth (FFY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been a dedicated community pillar for youth and families across Bartholomew County and beyond since 1928. Our mission is to inspire and enable youth ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. FFY offers a wide range of programs, including sports leagues, out of school activities, camps, prevention, and mentoring services - all designed to support the physical, social, and emotional development of youth. By promoting values such as community, connection, and accountability and grounded in our 4 cornerstones: Commitment to Learning; Character and Leadership; Positive Identity; Healthy Lifestyles, FFY helps young people become well-rounded, confident individuals ready to succeed in life.

FFY is committed to making a positive impact on youth in Columbus and surrounding areas, ensuring that every child has access to safe, engaging, and enriching experiences. FFY's programs reach thousands of children each year, providing them with opportunities to build friendships, develop new skills, and enhance their academic and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, FFY relies on community support, volunteers, and partnerships to sustain its programs and expand its outreach. Through its efforts, FFY continues to be a vital resource for building a stronger, more connected community, one child at a time.

Foundation for Youth is designated a Platinum Level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. For more information visit guidestar.com

Foundation For Youth (FFY) in Columbus, Indiana, offers programs for youth as well as adults and families.

Aquatics: From swim lessons to water aerobics, our aquatics programs promote water safety, physical health, and confidence for all ages.

Athletics: Through basketball, volleyball, golf clinics, pickleball, and open gym, FFY encourages fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition year-round.

Boys & Girls Club: BGC provides fun afterschool and full day summer programs with tutoring, homework help, and summer learning loss prevention for school aged youth grades K-12.

Columbus Youth Camp: Set on 137 scenic acres, CYC offers a wide range of summer camps and outdoor adventures for retreats, field trips, and groups of all sizes. Take on the ultimate team-building experience at our challenge course or take part in activities like hiking or archery.

TBRI: Foundation For Hope: TBRI offers a trauma-informed framework we use at FFY to help us respond differently with compassion, connection, and purpose. It is grounded in utilizing consistent language, nurturing engagement, and emotional regulation strategies that build trust and create lasting change.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: BBBS creates positive change in our community through 1:1 and small group youth mentoring programs. They develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of youth.

Council for Youth Development: CYD is a cross-sector coalition that aligns efforts to advance a culture of positive youth development in Bartholomew County utilizing the 40 Developmental Assets® and Developmental Relationships® training and resources for youth, families, and professionals to improve social-emotional health community-wide. Core initiatives, including leadership development, youth voice advocacy, and collaborative partnerships.

Prevention Initiatives: Working with community members, coalitions, and partners, we promote positive mental health and address substance abuse and misuse in Bartholomew County.

Safe Place: This is a national outreach and prevention program for youth in crisis. FFY is the licensed Safe Place agency responsible for operating the program in our community.