A Collective Action
Our Vision: The first South-Asian-rooted, youth-focused and inclusive community center in New York City
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAYA COMMUNITY CENTER
As SAYA celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are looking ahead to creating a permanent community center. Together, we’re building a space rooted in opportunity, culture, and belonging—a place where young people and families can connect, grow, and thrive.
Join us in making this vision a reality!
A Future-Ready Center That Will Unlock Opportunities Not Possible Today
20,000 sq. ft. designed for collaboration, creativity, and learning
Capacity to serve thousands more youth and families
Dedicated spaces for academics, arts, sports, and college and career readiness
Areas for family engagement and community programs
A long-term anchor that positions SAYA to grow, adapt, and lead for decades to come
$20M
campaign
20% raised
Capital Campaign Steering Committee Members
⟡ Priya Giri Desai
⟡ Samidh Guha
⟡ Sri Murthy
⟡ Sowmya Rao
⟡ Rippi Gill Rangwala
⟡ Bharat Sawhney
⟡ Sheetal Sheth
Building Design Committee Members
⟡ Furhan Ahmad
⟡ Bharat Das
⟡ Sunita Desai
⟡ Sri Murthy
⟡ Zarme Shahnawaz
Naming Opportunities
$2,000,000
Welcome Center - This warm, accessible space will serve as the hub for access to resources and community connection
$2,000,000
Basketball Court - An indoor court used daily for sports, recreation, and youth fitness programs
$2,000,000
Arts Center - A flexible, multi-purpose space that will host creative workshops, performances, celebrations, and community gatherings
$1,000,000
Outdoor Gathering Place - A welcoming outdoor space designed for community events and informal gatherings
$1,000,000
Youth Lounge - A relaxed space where youth can socialize, unwind, and build friendships between activities
$500,000
Community Conference Room - A professional, inviting setting for staff, families, partners, and youth leaders to meet, plan, and collaborate
$500,000
Community Kitchen - A fully equipped kitchen that will support cooking workshops, family events, and community meals
$500,000
Classroom 1 - A dedicated learning space for academic support, enrichment activities, and small-group programs
$500,000
Classroom 2 - A second versatile instructional space for leadership workshops and creative learning
Frequently Asked Questions
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This building project will allow SAYA to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our current space is operating at full capacity, limiting our ability to expand programs and services even as the number of youth and families we serve continues to grow. Investing in a permanent home is a critical step toward ensuring that young people have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need—both today and for generations to come.
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SAYA’s current capital campaign goal is $20 million. Building on the campaign’s robust launch, SAYA will continue to solicit gifts throughout the life of the campaign to help cover expenses.
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Gifts at all levels are welcome and appreciated. Pledges can be made over a three- to five-year period.
For more information or questions on how to support SAYA’s capital campaign, please contact Saphia Najafee, Chief Development Officer at saphia.najafee@saya.org.
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Absolutely! Matching gifts are the perfect way to increase your gift! Many business owners and/or executive level professionals are employed by companies who may offer this charitable benefit option. It is worth exploring if your spouse or partner has a corporate matching program.
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Absolutely. For many, a pledge is the preferred way to make a generous gift. It allows you to pay later or spread out your payments over multiple months or years, which may allow you to donate more than if you had to make your gift all at once. Pledges can be made over a three- to five-year period.
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Yes. South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is a charitable non-profit with 501(c)(3) designation by the IRS. Donors can feel secure if they choose to incorporate a gift with their tax planning goals. All donations will receive a letter documenting their contribution to SAYA
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Yes, unless the donor chooses otherwise. Public acknowledgment is the choice of the donor. SAYA has a planned donor recognition program, including naming opportunities for spaces in the new community center as well as a donor recognition in our building and on our website. However, we completely respect donor wishes and understand if public recognition is not desired. Gifts can remain anonymous if requested by the donor.
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Yes. If a particular part of our project has special meaning to you, or you wish to honor a family member, you can specify your gift be recognized in that way. You can leave a lasting legacy and further our mission through the many naming opportunities we have.
Please contact Saphia Najafee, at saphia.najafee@saya.org for questions or more information.
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The following are some of our largest supporters:
Mackenzie Scott
The Ford Foundation
Robinhood Foundation
TD Bank
KKR
MacMillian Family Foundation
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Please contact Saphia Najafee at saphia.najafee@saya.org.
Leadership gifts of $100,000 and under play a critical role in closing the gap and sustaining long-term impact
Gifts of all levels are essential to the success of the SAYA Community Center Capital Campaign. Every contribution—large or small—moves us closer to creating a permanent space where youth and families can access life-changing programs. Together, these gifts build momentum, demonstrate broad community commitment, and ensure that this center reflects the collective investment of those who believe in SAYA’s mission. Each gift is a meaningful part of a lasting legacy.
All donors at the Leadership levels will receive permanent, physical recognition in the new Community Center. Gifts may be made in your name, in memory of, or in honor of someone meaningful to you.
Every gift directly supports the creation of a space where young people can learn, lead, and thrive.
Leadership Giving Opportunities
$100,000
$75,000
$50,000
$25,000
$10,000
$5,000
What is a Giving Circle?
A Giving Circle is a group of friends, family members, or colleagues who pool their charitable gifts to achieve a greater collective impact.
It’s people-powered philanthropy—turning individual generosity into community-led change.
Why Join the Giving Circle?
Give what you can: You can make your gift at any level
Multiply your impact: Collective giving creates visible change
Build community: Connect with others who share your values to make a more significant impression
Create lasting impact: Invest in a space that will serve our community for generations to come
Lead together: Help shape a community-driven vision for the future
By giving together, Circle members make a meaningful investment in a shared future—expanding on the impact of individual gifts alone.
How it Works
Form a Giving Circle with friends, family, or colleagues
Each member gives at a level meaningful to them
Gifts may be one-time or multi-year
All contributions are pooled to support the community center’s development, programs, and long-term sustainability
“The impact SAYA has had on me is not my story alone. Countless young people have felt similar effects of SAYA’s programming and community on their lives.”
— Diya
For more information or to discuss giving opportunities:
Saphia Najafee, Chief Development Officer at saphia.najafee@saya.org
About Your Contribution
Contributions are tax-deductible
SAYA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization