Invest in Resilience

Mentorship is under threat

The organizations and policies that once supported and protected our work are being dismantled, and the young men who depend on our support have nowhere else to turn.

EdSource logo with the headline 'AmeriCorps cuts slash support services, programs for vulnerable communities'.
Excerpt from The New York Times about DOGE Guts Agency organizing community service programs for AmeriCorps employees.
Excerpt of a news headline about DOGE ordering a major cut to AmeriCorps funding, from The Washington Post, dated April 25, 2025.

AmeriCorps Contracts Terminated

Since 2019, our Mentor Fellowship has operated in partnership with AmeriCorps, putting hundreds of mentors in schools. That partnership has taken a huge hit, threatening our ability to secure mentors for students.

DEI Initiatives Under Attack

It’s no secret that funding streams tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion are being slashed nationwide. Programs like IYT, created to support historically underserved communities, were among the first to lose support, and have been the hardest hit.

Political Uncertainty

Shifting political climates creates instability that makes long-term planning impossible. We have a critical need for a reliable funding base, one that’s not at risk of disappearing with every new election.

Group of diverse graduates in blue caps and gowns standing on outdoor steps with green trees and buildings in background.

The Sacramento Resilience Fund

The Resilience Fund ensures that regardless of what happens in Washington, our young men have mentors in their corner.

Through three-year commitments, donors sustain our middle-through high school mentorship programs, helping thousands of young men of color become college-bound.

As a Resilience Fund Donor, you also get access to special engagements with IYT youth and leaders.

Two young men standing with fist raised at a summit or conference, surrounded by other attendees, wearing black glasses and hoodies or T-shirts related to the event.

"I have witnessed the impact that IYT has had with support and mentorship to dramatically change the life trajectory for young people of color, and the broader ripple effect that change has for those around them."

—Gary King, IYT Board Chair
Retired SMUD Executive

PARTNER NOW & JOIN

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invest in resilience

Corporate Partnerships

Becoming a Resilience Fund partner goes beyond a check. Our corporate partners bring their brand, their people, and their creativity to the table; making this a true community effort.

PARTNER

Funds nearly 50 young men in middle and high school for a full year: more than 5,800 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes brand recognition, employee engagement opportunities, and a year-end appreciation event.

$50K TOTAL
or ~$15K/year for three years

Champion

Funds 81 young men in middle and high school for a full year: more than 9,600 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes everything in the Partner tier, plus a spotlight feature, a custom thank-you video from IYT Brothers, and an engraved brick at the College Success Center.

$75K TOTAL
or ~$25K/year for three years

MOST POPULAR

Catalyst

Funds more than 160 young men in middle and high school for a full year: nearly 20,000 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes everything in Champion, plus VIP and speaking access at the Sneaker Ball and workshop hosting opportunities.

$150K TOTAL
or ~$50K/year for three years

Request information

Customize your Partnership

There’s no single way to become a Resilience Fund partner. Choose one of our pre-built tiers, or build a custom package using the engagements below.

  • Group of people posing on the blue carpet at a sneaker ball event, with a blue backdrop featuring sponsor logos, and a black balloon with a silver balloon, smiling and enjoying the event.

    Event Sponsorship

    Put your brand front and center at our signature galas and summits.

  • Four students sitting at a wooden table with laptops, focusing on their work in a classroom.

    Workplace Giving

    Multiply your impact with payroll deductions or matching gifts.

  • Group of IYT Brothers and a community partner sitting on bleachers.

    Direct Investment

    Strengthen IYT operations with in-kind professional services or expertise.

  • A diverse group of people participating in a protest march on a city street, some holding signs and flags, with buildings and parked cars in the background.

    Employee Volunteerism

    Deploy your team to act as mentors or guest speakers.

  • A group of young people hugging in celebration, with one person smiling broadly in the center.

    Collaborative Fundraising

    Launch co-branded round-up campaigns to activate your customers.

Request Information

Individual Giving

Join the Resilience Fund
Giving Society

This is Sacramento's most committed circle of individual donors; those who believe that when there's a need and government falls short, the community should step up. Become a founding member of something lasting.

Pillar

Funds nearly 50 young men in middle and high school for a full year: more than 5,800 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes recognition and in-person engagement opportunities.

$45K TOTAL
or $15K/year for three years

Cornerstone

Funds nearly 100 young men in middle and high school for a full year: more than 11,000 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes recognition and in-person engagement opportunities.

$90K TOTAL
or $30K/year for three years

MOST POPULAR

Beacon

Funds more than 160 young men in middle and high school for a full year: nearly 20,000 hours of 1:1 mentorship, college advising, parent meetings, and social-emotional development workshops.

Includes recognition and in-person engagement opportunities.

$150K+ TOTAL
or $50K/year for three years

Request information
A group of people with black jackets raising their fists four in front of a building with an orange sign that says 'STUDENT UNION'.
A young man in graduation gown and cap smiling with arms crossed, standing outdoors in front of a building.
A young man wearing glasses and a light blue shirt with a yellow graduation stole standing outdoors, with trees and a building in the background.
A person with glasses and earrings smiling outdoors with buildings in the background.
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Flexible Giving

Your Commitment, Your Way

  • Pledge Over time

    Choose to pay annually, semi-annually, or quarterly over the three year term; whatever fits your preferred financial rhythm.

  • Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

     Direct your grant recommendation to Improve Your Tomorrow (EIN: 46-2981774), and your commitment is fulfilled seamlessly.

  • Stock & Securities

     One of the most tax-efficient ways to make a major gift. Contact our development team to initiate a transfer and maximize every dollar.

Invest in resilience

Your Dollars Punch Above Their Weight.

Our School Partners fund nearly two-thirds of the cost of our program. But two-thirds doesn't put a mentor in a classroom — it takes the full amount. Your gift covers the 36% gap that actually starts the program. So every $1 you give activates nearly $2 in district funding that can't move without it.

5,280

Students Served

100%

High School Graduation Rate

86%

College or Career Pathway

Your Questions, Answered

  • Your investment goes directly to mentorship programming — IYT's most critical service. This includes school-based mentors, college advising, academic support, college tours, and family engagement across nearly 40 sites.

  • Three-year pledges give IYT the financial stability to plan ahead, hire and retain mentors, and expand to new communities — regardless of shifts in government policy or political climate. It's what makes the fund resilient.

  • Yes. Improve Your Tomorrow is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 46-2981774) with 80.87% public support. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

  • Flexible. You can pay annually, semi-annually, or quarterly over the three-year term. IYT's development team will work with you to structure payments that fit your giving cycle.

  • All Resilience Fund partners receive annual impact reports with outcome data, recognition across IYT channels, and invitations to year-end appreciation events. Higher tiers receive distinguished features, custom video content, and direct engagement opportunities with IYT members.

  • Absolutely. Sneaker Ball sponsorships can be structured as part of your Resilience Fund commitment. Contact the development team to discuss combined packages.

Ready to invest in resilience?

Join the partners who are building long term stability for over 5,000 young men of color and the mentors dedicated to supporting them along the way.

Invest In resilience