AYA Foundation
To lead an economic revolution by supporting members of the black community build their wealth through access to education, training, networks, and funding.
AYA Foundation at a glance
In short: AYA Foundation gave $126K across 7 grants in 2024 (avg $18K), mostly in Colorado. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $125,739
- -27.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 7
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $17,963
- -27.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $11,500
- Total assets
- $991,515
- -20.7% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Colorado (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to AYA Foundation
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from AYA Foundation
Who AYA Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Colorado Gives Foundation ($50K). Together the top 7 received $126K.
Grant Size Distribution
16 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 13 grants of 16 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 7 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $126K (2024) to $249K (2022). In 2024 it made 7 grants totaling $126K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Gives Foundation Arvada, CO | Establish 828 Fund for Entrepreneur Grants | $50,000 |
| Welton Street Cafe Inc Denver, CO | Rent and Wages | $20,000 |
| Zuvan Renewables LLC Denver, CO | Solar Electrical Work | $20,000 |
| Harris & Co Holdings LLC Aurora, CO | Marketing | $11,500 |
| 303 Xtreme Powersports LLC Commerce City, CO | Equipment and Marketing | $9,505 |
| Let Me Show You Different LLC Broomfield, CO | Registrations and Website | $9,065 |
| Bella Virtu Organics LLC Denver, CO | Marketing | $5,669 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $991,515 | $522,887 | $782,909 | $125,739 | 7 | $75 |
| 2023 | $1,250,454 | $1,281,459 | $1,111,405 | $173,500 | 7 | $2,141 |
| 2022 | $1,020,508 | $1,883,327 | $1,662,367 | $248,970 | 2 | $2,127 |
| 2021 | $799,548 | $930,250 | $130,702 | — | — | — |
About AYA Foundation
Based on IRS filings
AYA Foundation is a public charity focused on Community Improvement & Capacity Building, based in Denver, CO. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $992K in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 7 grants totaling $126K. Net investment income was $75.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
AYA Foundation is led by Benilda Samuels, Chief Executive Officer since 2024 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 8 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Benilda Samuels
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director → Chief Executive Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$155K (2023) → $175K (2024)
Jicelyn Johnson
Board Chair
Board President → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Annita Menogan
Board Member
Board Member → Director, 2022
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Daehnick
Secretary
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hanifah Chiku
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Javon Brame
Board Member
Board Member → Director, 2022
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wil Alston
Board Member
Board Member → Director, 2022
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Avi Aliyu
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
0.8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Richard Lewis (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Denise Burgess (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Benny Samuels (2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Jice Johnson (2022) — Chairman
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $175K, to Benilda Samuels (Chief Executive Officer).
Frequently asked questions about AYA Foundation
How much does AYA Foundation give each year?
AYA Foundation gave $126K across 7 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $174K across 7 grants.
What is AYA Foundation's typical grant size?
AYA Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $11,500, and its average grant was $17,963, across 7 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does AYA Foundation give grants?
AYA Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Denver, CO (3 grants).
Does AYA Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 7 grants with a stated purpose on AYA Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are AYA Foundation's largest grantees?
AYA Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Colorado Gives Foundation ($50,000), Welton Street Cafe Inc ($20,000) and Zuvan Renewables LLC ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 72% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is AYA Foundation?
AYA Foundation reported $992K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $523K.
What is AYA Foundation?
AYA Foundation is a public charity focused on Community Improvement & Capacity Building, based in Denver, CO. It holds $992K in total assets as of 2024.
What is AYA Foundation's EIN?
AYA Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-2802236. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 22, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 25, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
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AYA Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?