Backyards Foundation
At Backyards, we’ve built a Platform that uses storytelling, investment, and technology to spark meaningful relationships — opening doors to collaborative investment opportunities and strategic grant making. Our nonprofit arm supports mission-driven organizations that serve families and communities in need, while Backyards Capital, our for-profit fund, allows us to scale these efforts through targeted, values-aligned investments. At the heart of both is a deep belief in strengthening the health of the whole family — not just through systems change, but through stories, AI, and the power of connection.
We’re building more than capital — we’re building legacy.
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Our Mission
We identify, fund, and help scale AI-powered solutions that drive generational impact and economic empowerment for underserved communities around the world.
Founded by entrepreneurs Darr Aley and Jens Hoj, Backyards is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a bold 100-year vision to "clean up our backyards" through strategic investment, education, and awareness.
We are at the "Kitty Hawk Moment" in AI - a pivotal time when this technology is poised to transform how we address social challenges.
Backyards is built on a comprehensive nonprofit and for-profit Platform to create lasting social impact through technology and innovation.
1
Backyards Foundation Inc.
Building our core plan to drive transformative social impact through AI.
2
Backyards Podcast @ The Barn
Our non-profit podcast sharing insights from innovators and inspiring new approaches to global challenges.
3
Backyards Non Profit Fund
Making grants to Social Impact AI organizations
4
Backyards Capital
A for-profit multi-stage and multi-sector Venture Fund scaling AI-based solutions worldwide while measuring and improving outcomes.
5
Backyards Capital Sandbox Lab
Our for-profit innovation lab where AI solutions are incubated for social impact and are developed and tested by subject matter experts.
Why AI for Non-Profits?
Recognizes that where we live, work, learn, and grow shapes our family's well-being more than just medicine ever could.
Healthcare access and quality
AI identifies healthcare gaps and optimizes investment resources in underserved areas.
Environmental & community factors
Machine learning helps us monitor environmental conditions and predicts areas needing intervention.
Education & Literacy
AI-powered solutions improve health literacy and educational outcomes in backyards everywhere.
Economic Stability
Seeking organizations that target economic and food security interventions where most needed.
Amplified Impact
AI helps nonprofits solve problems faster and at scale through needs assessment, small pilots, and measured results.
Data-Driven Decisions
Organizations using AI analytics report up to 40% improvement in program effectiveness.
Backyards Cornerstone: Revolutionizing Family Health with AI Innovation
Our 100-Year Plan
Backyards is committed to creating multi-generational impact through a comprehensive, long-term approach to social and environmental challenges.
Backyards: Advisors & Partnerships
Strategic partners maximizing cross-sector impact
Nonprofit Organizations
Collaborating with frontline groups to gather insights and address community challenges.
  • Community-based organizations
  • International aid groups
AI/Technology Companies
Partnering with tech leaders to access advanced capabilities and accelerate development.
  • Cloud providers
  • AI specialists
Academic Institutions
Working with researchers to develop solutions grounded in scientific methods.
  • Research universities
  • Ethics committees
Government Agencies
Connecting with public sector partners to navigate regulations and scale initiatives.
  • Municipal departments
  • Policy groups
Our network combines diverse expertise to tackle social challenges more effectively than any single organization could alone.
Our Innovation Process
We collaborate with partners throughout each phase to ensure solutions are technically sound, culturally appropriate, and practically implementable.
Problem Identification
Working with communities to understand core challenges
Solution Development
Creating AI-powered approaches with measurable outcomes
Implementation & Scaling
Expanding successful initiatives to new communities
Our Founders
Darr Aley & Jens Hoj
With over five decades of combined experience, Darr and Jens have built ventures from concept to IPO, generating billions in exit value. Their expertise spans enterprise and consumer sectors, including work with Amazon, SoftBank, Hershey's, and News Corporation.
Darr founded Aidentified, an Inc. 5000 ranked AI company, earning Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2024. Jens built and sold Krave to Hershey's and helped build Sonoma Brands Capital. Their deepest passion lies in social impact initiatives supporting vulnerable communities.
Join Our Mission
1
Invest In Change
For investment opportunities: invest@backyards.ai
2
Follow Our Journey
Subscribe@backyards.ai : Backyards@The Barn podcast for conversations with leading innovators.