In November of 2004 the Italian American Youth Organization, Inc. (IYO) was created to celebrate and promote Italian culture among young people in the United States.  Besides being a social club for young Italian Americans, the IYO has from the very beginning sought to maintain community service, education, and charity at the very basis of its organization.  In less than two years after its development, in October of 2006 the members of the IYO created the Italian American Youth Foundation, Inc. (IYF) to stand as the charitable arm of its organization. 

The IYF has been developed as a charitable non-profit tax exempt foundation.  Unlike the IYO with many members, the foundation is composed of nine positions of its board of directors.  The directors govern the funds of the IYF (which are mainly obtained through the annual Gala Primavera of the IYO and its corresponding ad book, and also through donations).  In the past two years the IYF has donated thousands of dollars to needy local individuals and causes, mostly in the Greater New Haven area of Connecticut, however other donations have benefited national organizations.  The IYF also makes a substantial yearly contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 

In 2008, the IYF will also begin its first scholarship program, financially helping high school and college students by continuing their education.  The first recipients will be awarded at the 2009 Gala Primavera.  The scholarship will be named the "IYF Marc A. Casella Scholarship" in memory of Marc Casella, IYO member and vice president. 

For more information regarding the IYF scholarship fund, the causes it supports, the foundation in general, or if you'd like to make a donation, please contact info@italianyouth.org.