Ubuntu, an African philosophy, teaches us "I am because we are." It's a belief that when one person succeeds, we all succeed. And at AYA Foundation, we see it in action every day.
When Terrance Boyd received support from our community of givers, he didn't just expand his business—he created a legacy. Wild Boyd Farm grew from 10 acres into Colorado's Black-owned regenerative ranch with 6,500 acres, nourishing our community with sustainable food, creating jobs, and inspiring others to dream bigger.
This is Ubuntu in action. When one entrepreneur succeeds, the whole community flourishes:
But Ubuntu calls us to do more. Right here in Colorado, many aspiring Black entrepreneurs are ready to contribute their talents and vision to our economy. Your gift weaves you into their success story by providing:
AYA has served over 200 entrepreneurs to date.
85% are Black
96% are individuals of color
67% are women
61% start their businesses in low-to-moderate income communities
or in Enterprise Zones
Joy and connection fill the room as attendees celebrate community and shared success at the AYA Connection event, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu.
Examples of Enterprise Zone Tax Credit Eligible Donations:
| $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