Who We Are

The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, Inc., (the Initiative) was incorporated in 2001 as a private foundation and is presently funded by the nation’s leading advocacy philanthropy for at-risk children and families--the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The Initiative was created from a vision that every youth aging out of foster care should have access to the opportunities and supports needed for a successful transition to adulthood. To make the vision a reality, the Initiative committed itself to bringing together people and resources to help youth and young adults make the connections they need for permanence, education, employment, housing, health care, and supportive personal and community relationships.

As a grant-making foundation, the Initiative determined that it would support community-based efforts which could create opportunities and build assets for youth leaving foster care. This support is provided via the core activities of grant making, technical assistance, and advocacy.