Bold Ideas. Lasting Impact. Rural Education.
BORN FROM A YOUNG MAN’S DREAM TO END POVERTY
The Nathan Yip Foundation was founded in 2002 by Jimmy and Linda Yip in loving memory of their only child, Nathan, who passed away in 2001 in a car accident at the age of 19.
Nathan had a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. As Vice President of Future Givers at Kent Denver School, he was already committed to philanthropy, believing young people could make a difference. Traveling with his parents through remote regions of China, Nathan saw firsthand how poverty and lack of access to education limited children’s futures. Moved by what he experienced, Nathan dreamed of starting a foundation to create educational opportunities for underserved youth—one that would help break the cycle of poverty and bring lasting change.
Nathan didn’t live to see that dream realized, but his spirit and vision live on through the Nathan Yip Foundation. What began as a global effort has since come home to Colorado, where we focus on supporting rural schools and students. In these often-overlooked communities, we invest in bold, innovative, and locally driven educational initiatives that open doors for students and strengthen the villages that raise them.
Nathan believed in the power of education to transform lives. Today, we carry that belief forward—one student, one teacher, one community at a time.
A FAMILY'S PROMISE
Transforming Loss into Lasting Impact
To turn Nathan's wish into action, we dedicated our lives to supporting students, teachers, and schools in the rural and remote areas of China and Colorado
THE SPIRIT
Nathan’s Chinese name was “浩霖”, meaning heavy rain in English
“Since the start of Nathan Yip Foundation, every time when we start a project, finish building a school, or visit on the opening ceremony, it’d always rain. We see it as a sign that Nathan is watching us and proud of what we’re doing.”
— Jimmy Yip, Nathan’s Father
How We Make A Difference
Investing in Colorado's Rural Communities
We partner to implement programs and support in some of Colorado’s most underserved communities, and work directly with stakeholders so that we know our work is thoughtful, sustainable, and fits with the school’s most pressing needs.
During our first year supporting Colorado’s rural communities, we have developed relationships through our projects in the San Luis Valley, on the Eastern Plains, and in Colorado’s Southwest. By working directly with schools and district administrators, we get grassroots buy-in and ensure that our programs are making the biggest impact in a way that is culturally relevant to the community.
BIG GOALS, LASTING IMPACT
Where Support Meets Success
We believe every student deserves a caring learning environment, paired with effective teaching and strong support. At the Nathan Yip Foundation, we ask two critical questions: What makes an education great? and How can we do the most good?
Our current focus on rural Colorado is just the beginning of our journey—where the need is great, and where our resources and partnerships can create meaningful, lasting change.
The Yips are extremely gracious and generous to everyone. Nate’s story, and Linda and Jimmy’s passion and love, drew me into the foundation. Their focus and commitment to making life better for children of the world is just incredible.
— Long-time supporter and philanthropist in Colorado