Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked to mobilize resources and expertise throughout the world to address the growing challenges facing today's young people. We have equipped millions of young people with the resources and opportunities to use their talents more productively through our global alliances with hundreds of NGOs, corporations, governments and foundations.

Despite considerable progress over the last decade, many of the needs facing the world’s young people are more urgent than ever. Nearly half of the world’s population is under the age of 24, with the vast majority growing up in developing countries with limited access to health education, good schools, employment opportunities, or, most importantly, hope. IYF invests in long-term solutions to these urgent needs by strengthening and “scaling up” programs and approaches that have proven their effectiveness.

The growing network of support for young people at the local, national, and international levels is at the heart of our work. This site will introduce you to many of the organizations that are working with us. You will gain access to valuable resources and capacity-building tools aimed at increasing the effectiveness of youth programs and approaches. You will see a philosophy that views young people as problem-solvers themselves, not problems to be solved. Reflected here is our deeply held belief that lasting change best occurs when we not only have communities supporting youth, but also youth contributing to their communities.

We hope you will find this information useful, and join us to ensure that greater numbers of young people have the opportunity to realize their greatest potential.

Regards,

William S. Reese
President and Chief Executive Officer
International Youth Foundation