August 28 carries the weight of our past and the promise of our future. It's the day Dr. King shared his dream. The day Emmett Till's murder sparked a movement. The day we remember, honor, and most importantly—build.
At AYA Foundation, we don't just remember history. We create it.
Your gift today builds cornerstone institutions that will stand for generations.
They're more than businesses. They're the heartbeat of our communities—places where culture thrives, families find support, and wealth stays home.
Then: The Dr. Ford Legacy
In 1902, Denver hospitals barred Dr. Justina Ford because she was Black. Her response? She delivered 7,000 babies from her Five Points home over 50 years. When families couldn't pay cash, they paid with chickens. Her care was their lifeline. Five Points couldn't exist without "the Lady Doctor."
Now: The Next Generation
Today, Jahala Walker of Hands of Oshun carries that torch. With AYA's bookkeeping support and business coaching, she's building a culturally grounded birth care practice that now accepts Medicaid—ensuring no family is turned away.
This is what cornerstone institutions do: They serve. They stay. They sustain.
In Just 5 years, We've Built:
245 entrepreneurs empowered
$275,000 in grants distributed
4x increase in entrepreneurs with business, marketing & sales plans after participation
49% hire employees or contractors
80% continue applying skills AYA taught them
When you give to AYA Foundation, you're making an investment in:
This National Black Giving Day, join us in building what lasts. Your gift—whether $8, $82, or $8,280—becomes the foundation for businesses that will serve our communities for decades to come.
Because Black communities deserve institutions that thrive, grow, and stand the test of time.
Together, we're not just closing the wealth gap. We're building the bridges that will carry our communities forward for generations.
Build Your Legacy - Donate Today
Did you know that when you donate $25 or more, you may qualify for the Colorado Enterprise Zone Tax Credit?
$25 Donation to AYA Foundation |
|
|---|---|
Colorado Enterprise Zone Tax Credit |
$(6.25) |
Federal Income Tax Deduction |
$(4.13)* |
Colorado Income Tax Deduction |
$(0.80) |
Total Estimated Tax Savings |
$11.18 |
Net Out of Pocket Expense |
$13.82 |
Cost per dollar to Contribute |
$0.55 |
Net Benefit to Our Entrepreneurs |
Immeasurable |
*Assumes the donor uses federal itemized deductions and has a marginal tax rate of 22%. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. Please consult your tax advisor.
|
$5,000 Donation to AYA Foundation |
|
|---|---|
Enterprise Zone Tax Credit |
$(1,250) |
Federal Income Tax Deduction |
$(1,200)* |
Colorado Income Tax Deduction |
$(159.38) |
Total Estimated Tax Savings |
$(2,609.38) |
Net Out-of-Pocket Donation Expense |
$2,390.62 |
Cost per dollar to Contribute |
$0.48 |
Net Benefit to Our Entrepreneurs |
Immeasurable |
*Assumes the donor uses federal itemized deductions and has a marginal tax rate of 32%. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. Please consult your tax advisor. |
Mission: To lead an Economic Revolution by supporting members of the Black community in building their wealth through access to education, training, networks and funding.
Vision: To have a restorative and transformative effect on the Colorado landscape, leading to generational health and wealth for Colorado’s Black community.
Principles: To meet beneficiaries where they are, prioritize those furthest from resources, go beyond funding and programming, strive to bring together other organizations, and foster innovation across the ecosystem.
We recognize the profound impact of collaboration within the Black community and the vital role of allies in our collective pursuit of racial equity. As Colorado’s Black-led and Black-serving operating community foundation, we extend a warm invitation to join us in our commitment in upholding the following shared values:
Approach: We approach our work in partnership with the Black diaspora community of Colorado with respect and using a strength-based approach; always leading with collaboration, empathy, and tactfulness.
Commitment: We are committed to uplifting each other, and we firmly believe in the “Ubuntu” concept (I am because you are); always appealing to people’s better selves when discussing or working through problematic situations.
Collaboration: We value the impact that collaboration within the Black community has and continues to have in our world. Therefore, we will lead, work and executive in collaboration.
Health Equity Statement: We, at AYA Foundation, stand firm in our commitment to health equity. We recognize that economic equalization that goes beyond just a livable income and includes wealth creation among historically excluded communities not only fosters financial stability and protection against crises, but also leads to improved health and wellness outcomes. By championing economic empowerment and justice, we are actively advancing health equity within our community.
Organization name
AYA Foundation
2020
Tax id (EIN)
85-2802236
Category
Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
Organization Size
Large Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit
Address
1031 33rd StreetCO, US