Fishers Youth Initiative is changing the way it raises money, moving away from one of its long-running annual fundraising events in favor of year-round partnerships with businesses, churches and community organizations.

In a recent newsletter to supporters, Executive Director Sara Ferguson announced that FYI will not host the Mayor’s Breakfast this year. The event has been a key part of the organization’s fundraising model for many years.

Instead, Ferguson said the organization is making a “strategic shift” toward more intentional, relationship-based partnerships.

“Rather than engaging partners through a single annual event, we are prioritizing year-round partnerships that create deeper connection, clearer impact, and more meaningful engagement opportunities,” Ferguson wrote.

The new approach, according to FYI, is designed to connect organizations more directly with measurable community impact, offer employee engagement opportunities through volunteering and service, provide clearer visibility into how support helps students and families, and build longer-term partnerships aligned with the goals of supporting organizations.

“We believe this model creates a stronger return—not just in visibility, but in real community impact and meaningful involvement,” Ferguson wrote.

FYI is inviting corporate and church partners interested in learning more about the new approach to contact Ferguson at https://fishersyouthinitiative.org/

The fundraising change comes as Fishers Youth Initiative continues a busy summer of programming. Ferguson said the organization’s Summer Meals distribution began in early June and is now in full swing.

The program is serving about 200 families each week. In addition to food distribution, Ferguson said FYI is able to provide community opportunities and exposure through partner organizations that assist with the effort.

The Summer Meals program will continue through the end of July. After that, FYI will transition back to Snack Attack, its school-year food insecurity program.

Ferguson said FYI is also planning for its mentoring work during the 2026-2027 school year. The organization is currently hiring for an open Director of Engagement position.

Fishers Youth Initiative works with local students and families through mentoring, food support and other community-based programs.