What DAYA FOUNDATION does

DAYA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Sarahjoy Marsh and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The organization delivers trauma-informed yoga programs to incarcerated individuals, medically-sensitive populations, people in addiction recovery, students with mental health conditions (PTSD, anxiety, depression), and other marginalized groups. Its core methodology is a proprietary Trauma-Informed, Brain-Sensitive (TIBS) Yoga curriculum that integrates neuroscience concepts (polyvagal theory, attachment theory, implicit memory, window of tolerance) with traditional yogic frameworks (Ayurveda, koshas, gunas, kleshas, yamas, niyamas). The TIBS curriculum is approved for continuing education units by Yoga Alliance, the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), and the Oregon Nurses Association (ANCC-accredited).

The organization's primary institutional program is its Prison Yoga Outreach, which has operated in Oregon's correctional facilities since 1998 and currently reaches five prisons, including Oregon State Correctional Institution and Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. Complementary offerings include Adaptive Yoga (two-chair format for Parkinson's, MS, osteoporosis, and chronic pain), Recovery Living Homes, Urban Ashram community programs, online amrita yoga classes, and professional Yoga Alliance-accredited teacher training at 200hr, 300hr, and 800hr levels. Following the 2020 wildfire that destroyed Breitenbush Hot Springs, DAYA also acts as fiscal sponsor for that sanctuary's $680K rebuild.

The revenue model blends tiered monthly memberships ($27 METTA, $54 AGNI, $108 DAYA, each with a built-in tax-deductible donation component), donation-based (DANA sliding-scale) drop-in classes, professional training program fees ($280–$600 for TIBS tiers; higher for 200/300/800hr programs), individual donations and grants, affiliate revenue from a Yoga Outlet partnership (8% commission), and fiscal-sponsorship fundraising. The organization claims 100% of profits are reinvested into outreach programs and medical scholarships. Customer segments span individual consumers (members, drop-ins, training students), institutional partners (Oregon Department of Corrections, Legacy Health hospitals, Volunteers of America treatment centers, K-12 schools), and a distributed donor base.

Name

DAYA FOUNDATION

Legal name

DAYA Foundation

Website

https://dayafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DAYA Foundation is a Portland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2012 by Sarahjoy Marsh, delivering trauma-informed yoga programs, professional teacher trainings, and prison, hospital, and rehab outreach to incarcerated, medically-sensitive, and marginalized populations in Oregon and online.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trauma-Informed Yoga Services and Education

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

General Yoga Instruction (Hatha/Vinyasa/Flow) (HSADACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Therapeutic/Adaptive Yoga & Clinical Pilates (HSADACAE), Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra (HSADACAF), Yoga & Meditation Experiences (Studio Classes, Guided Meditation, Mindfulness) (THAJAHAA)

Keywords

• Trauma-informed yoga
• Yoga teacher training
• Prison yoga outreach
• Adaptive yoga programs
• Yoga therapy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Monthly Memberships: Monthly unlimited yoga class memberships with tiered pricing (DAYA $108, AGNI $54, METTA $27), with portions classified as tax-deductible donations supporting outreach programs and recovery living homes.
2. Drop-In Classes (Onsite and Online): On-demand yoga class attendance via donation (DANA sliding scale) for both onsite studio and online/Zoom classes.
3. Professional Yoga Teacher Training Programs: Revenue from 200hr, 300hr, and 800hr Yoga Alliance accredited teacher training programs; TIBS trauma-informed training with four investment tiers ($280-$600); yoga psychology (140hr); yoga therapy training; all with portions as tax-deductible donations supporting prison programs.
4. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting medical scholarships, prison yoga outreach programs, and climate/breitenbush rebuilding efforts. 100% of 'profits' support outreach programs and medical scholarships.
5. Breitenbush Rebuilding Fundraising: DAYA Foundation acts as fiscal sponsor for Breitenbush Hot Springs rebuild, channeling donor contributions for the sanctuary reconstruction and revisioning campaign.
6. Yoga Props Affiliate Revenue: Affiliate partnership with Yoga Outlet offering 8% affiliate percentage on yoga prop purchases, with a first-time buyer 10% discount offer, benefiting the DAYA Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DAYA Foundation is a non-profit yoga outreach organization that delivers trauma-informed yoga programs, professional yoga teacher trainings (200hr, 300hr, 800hr), and adaptive yoga classes for marginalized and clinical populations. Its offerings include onsite and online classes, memberships, and the Trauma-Informed Brain-Sensitive (TIBS) yoga curriculum, alongside prison yoga outreach delivered in Oregon correctional facilities since 1998.

Product overview

DAYA Foundation is a non-profit yoga outreach organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of trauma-informed yoga programs and professional training. The organization delivers its offerings through multiple channels: in-person weekly yoga classes (amrita Yoga, Adaptive Yoga) at their Portland studio and at outreach locations; online classes and training programs; and institutional partnerships. Core programs include Prison Yoga Outreach (since 1998), Adaptive Yoga for medically-sensitive populations, and the Urban Ashram community for dharma study and meditation. Professional training includes Yoga Alliance accredited 200hr, 300hr, and 800hr teacher training programs, Trauma-Informed Brain-Sensitive (TIBS) training for yoga teachers and mental health professionals, and specialized TIBS training for nurses. Support programs include Medical Scholarships, Recovery Living Homes, and a Work-Trade program. The organization also serves as fiscal sponsor for Breitenbush Hot Springs and operates membership tiers (DAYA, AGNI, METTA) along with DANA-based donation options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Urban Ashram: A community gathering space dedicated to the study and living practice of yoga, dharma, social responsibility, and ecological stewardship based in Portland, Oregon.
• Living Yoga

Products and services

• Prison Yoga Outreach Program Trauma-informed yoga classes and Yoga Alliance 200-hr teacher training delivered in Oregon's prisons, reaching incarcerated adults across five facilities.
• Adaptive Yoga Medically-sensitive yoga using a two-chair class format with thera-bands, blocks, straps, and dowels for students with Parkinson's, MS, osteoporosis, joint replacements, chronic pain, amputations, and pre/post-op conditions.
• amrita Yoga Classes Weekly public yoga classes delivered onsite at the Forest House studio and online via Zoom, taught by Sarahjoy Marsh and assistant teachers.
• Professional Yoga Teacher Training (200hr, 300hr, 800hr) Yoga Alliance accredited teacher training programs at 200hr (amrita Yoga), 300hr (Advanced Yoga), and 800hr (IAYT Yoga Therapy) levels integrating Ayurveda, mindfulness, trauma-resilience, and interpersonal neurobiology; delivered online with residential retreats at Breitenbush Hot Springs.
• Trauma-Informed, Brain-Sensitive (TIBS) Yoga Teacher Training Online, self-paced video training integrating yoga, neuroscience, polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and mindfulness; approved for 8 CEUs by Yoga Alliance and International Association of Yoga Therapists.
• TIBS Yoga Training for Nurses 8-hour self-paced online course designed for nurses and medical professionals to bring trauma-informed somatic tools into patient care; approved for 8 CEUs by Oregon Nurses Association (ANCC accredited).
• Yoga Psychology for Mental Health Providers (140-hour) 140-hour trauma-informed training for mental health professionals integrating yoga principles and practices into clinical work.
• Urban Ashram Community Gatherings Community gathering space in Portland offering weekly Dharma Study Groups, Pranayama + Meditation sessions, Yoga Sutra Chanting, and Climate Awareness meetings, both onsite and via Zoom.
• Monthly Memberships (DAYA, AGNI, METTA) Monthly unlimited yoga class memberships priced at $108 (DAYA), $54 (AGNI), and $27 (METTA), with embedded tax-deductible donation components funding outreach and recovery living homes.
• DAYA Recovery Living Homes Sober living homes based on yoga and service principles for individuals in recovery from addiction.
• Medical Scholarships Financial support covering three months of unlimited yoga classes for students on disability, fixed income, or facing medical-condition budget constraints.

Quantifiable outcome

• 28,000–32,000 hours of yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed programming delivered annually (2016–2019)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Breitenbush Hot SpringscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020DAYA Foundation acts as fiscal sponsor for Breitenbush Hot Springs during their post-2020 wildfire rebuild. Sarahjoy Marsh was a resident worker and Board member at Breitenbush in the early 1990s. DAYA hosts fundraising campaigns, matching fund investments, and monthly sustainer programs for Breitenbush rebuilding. The sanctuary rebuild has an estimated $680K budget.
• YogaLife, Inc. (d/b/a yogajoy)coreOthers · 1 January 2012YogaLife, Inc. operates in conjunction with DAYA Foundation as a related entity providing yoga services, professional training, and products. Terms & Conditions state 'DAYA Foundation and YogaLife, Inc. ("DAYA Foundation" "YogaLife, Inc." "We," "Us," "Our") provide various business training services, yoga services, products and goods through this Website.' Both share the same founder (Sarahjoy Marsh) and tax ID.
• Yoga Outlet (Props Affiliate Partnership)minorOthersDAYA Foundation has an affiliate partnership with Yoga Outlet, offering 8% affiliate percentage on yoga prop purchases to benefit the foundation, plus a first-time purchase offer of 10% discount for DAYA community members.
• Benares Academy of Indian Classical Music (India)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational project partnership supporting orphaned children in India through music and dance education under the guidance of Pandit Deobrat Mishra. DAYA Foundation supports the Academy and children like Priyanka, providing access to music lessons, dance, meals, and community. Part of DAYA's commitment to those marginalized and in need of nourishment.
• Sarahjoy Marsh / sarahjoyyoga.comcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAYA Foundation partners with Sarahjoy Marsh to provide trauma-informed yoga teacher trainings at 200, 300, and 800 hour levels. Sarahjoy is the founder of DAYA Foundation and provides the proprietary TIBS curriculum, professional training programs, retreats at Breitenbush Hot Springs, and her 200hr yoga teacher training program is delivered through sarahjoyyoga.com.
• Oregon Department of CorrectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing institutional partnership delivering yoga programs in 5 Oregon prisons since 1998. Programs include general population classes, special population classes (mental health, developmental delays, TBI), and 200hr Yoga Teacher Training for incarcerated adults. Coffee Creek Correctional Facility underwent an 18-month trauma-informed overhaul in partnership with DAYA.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Liberation Prison Yoga: Non-profit offering trauma-informed yoga programming and teacher trainings in correctional settings; shares DAYA's social-justice framing and incarcerated-teacher-training model.
• Off the Mat, Into the World: Yoga-service non-profit mobilizing teachers and studios around social justice causes; shares DAYA's yoga-as-social-justice positioning and volunteer-driven operating model.
• Yoga Behind Bars: Non-profit delivering trauma-informed yoga and meditation in prisons across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, operating in a near-identical correctional-trauma niche to DAYA's outreach programs.
• Trauma-Informed Yoga Network: Direct-to-consumer training and resource hub for trauma-informed yoga teachers, overlapping with DAYA's TIBS curriculum and professional training audience.
• Prison Yoga Project: National non-profit that pioneered free trauma-informed yoga videos and teacher training for incarcerated populations — directly competing with DAYA's Prison Yoga Outreach mission and curriculum.
• Black Yoga Foundation: Non-profit increasing access to yoga for Black communities via scholarships, teacher training, and outreach — closely comparable mission, funding model, and program mix to DAYA.
• Center for Trauma & Embodiment: Non-profit clinical-training organization offering certifications (e.g., TCTSY-200) for yoga professionals working with trauma survivors — closely comparable to DAYA's TIBS training offering.

Emerging players

• Mindful Schools: Non-profit providing mindfulness and yoga training to K-12 educators; directly comparable to DAYA's paused Yoga in Schools program at Bridges Middle School and Edison High School.

Broad incumbents

• Omega Institute for Holistic Studies: Large holistic-education nonprofit offering professional trainings, retreats, and online courses — overlaps with DAYA's professional training catalog and trauma-informed curriculum positioning.
• Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Established yoga/wellness retreat and teacher-training center in the Berkshires; broad incumbent with overlapping trauma-informed teacher trainings and residential retreat programming that competes with DAYA's Breitenbush-based offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheInstituteforLivingYoga
• Facebookfacebook.com/sarahjoy.yoga
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/daya-foundation-yoga

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about DAYA FOUNDATION