Our Mission

Our mission is to connect underserved boys and girls with fishing, fostering a passion for nature and outdoor activities. Our hands-on experiences provide a positive outlet for personal growth and instill a lifelong commitment to conservation and protecting our natural environment.

Mike & Becky Ianconelli

How the Foundation Has Started and Grown

What started as a small effort to share lightly used fishing gear with local youth groups has grown into a nationwide initiative that now provides brand-new Abu Garcia Ike Dude rods, Flambeau tackle boxes, and soft plastics to youth organizations across the country. Over time, The Ike Foundation® has expanded to include youth fishing tournaments, conservation programs, and a college scholarship fund, all designed to inspire children to connect with nature, learn the sport of fishing, and develop a lifelong respect for the outdoors.

Plans for the Future

The Ike Foundation® is dedicated to expanding our mission of getting more kids fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Our goal for the future is to double the number of youth we reach through hands-on fishing experiences, education, and conservation.

We’re growing our network of partners nationwide to reach more communities, providing rods, reels, and tackle donations to youth programs that share our vision and expanding our scholarship program to help even more graduating seniors pursue their education.

By building strong community partnerships, investing in environmental sustainability, and inspiring the next generation of anglers and conservationists, The Ike Foundation® is working to ensure that every child—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing and the beauty of the outdoors.

The Ike Foundation