Pathways to Economic Equity
The AYA Foundation is Colorado’s Black-led community Foundation. It is a collaborative organization that is capable of securing a variety of resources; growing and redistributing those resources in a way that supports and benefits the Black ecosystem based on researched and tested methods to build economic empowerment.
AYA Foundation exists to lead an Economic Revolution by creating a vibrant community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders for individual and collective agency and access to capital, resources, and training.
It is our vision to have a restorative and transformative effect on the Colorado landscape and beyond leading to long-term gains towards equity by closing the wealth gap for the Black community.
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.
“In a parity scenario, Black-owned businesses would generate $1.6 trillion more than they do today. This has two components. First, if the Black share of business ownership matched the Black share of the population, 615,000 more enterprises would exist, potentially generating $1 trillion in revenue, assuming current relative levels.
Second, if Black-owned firms matched the average scale of their industry peers, they would add another $600 billion in revenue.”
- McKinsey and Company report: The economic state of Black America: What is and what could be
What is a community foundation?
A community foundation is a grantmaking public charity that dedicates its resources to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities.
The AYA Foundation will:
Invest the gifts for growth and income
Make grants that meet the needs of the community
Provide business incubation and acceleration programming and services
Offer expertise in leadership and philanthropic development
Provide administrative support and fiscal sponsorship to developing not-for-profit entities
Support and advise donor funds
