Where communities rise together
Community Rise Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established in Utah, serving Salt Lake City and communities across Utah.
How this started
Community Rise Foundation exists so that children growing up in Utah can hold on to the language, the dances and the songs they were born into.
The Bylaws put the reasoning plainly: that self-sufficiency, skill development and community wellness reduce reliance on government resources and build long-term resilience, and that this happens through education, health awareness, leadership development and cultural connection.
We were founded in January 2026 by five people who signed those Bylaws. We are early, we are small, and we would rather run four classes properly than announce forty.
A community where every youth, man and woman has access to opportunities for personal growth, health and leadership, and where families thrive together in an environment of respect, equity and shared culture.
To empower youth, men, women and vulnerable families of all ages through education, wellness initiatives, leadership development and cultural connection, fostering stronger, healthier and more united communities throughout Utah.
Five core values
Empowerment
Building confidence, skills and self-reliance through education and opportunity.
Equity
Fairness, inclusivity and respect for people of all backgrounds, cultures and genders.
Community
Collaboration, belonging and collective responsibility as the foundation for progress.
Integrity
Honesty, transparency and accountability in every programme and partnership.
Service
Serving individuals and families with compassion, dignity and respect.
Open to everyone, rooted in one community
We serve a diverse Nepali-speaking population: youth aged five and above looking for mentorship and creative opportunity, women seeking education and professional growth, and families in need of guidance and connection.
We also support immigrant and multicultural families navigating cultural transitions, seniors looking for engagement and wellness education, and individuals with disabilities. Membership is open without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender or background.
The founding Board
Five people who signed the Bylaws on 11 January 2026. Directors serve without compensation.
Gyamphu Rai
Director
Provides overall leadership and strategic direction, presides over the Board, and represents the Foundation externally.
Rajani Thapa
Vice Director
Supports leadership and governance, and leads on partnerships and programme development.
Santa Subba
Secretary
Keeps the records of the Foundation, minutes, correspondence and official documents, and gives notice of meetings.
Sirjana Karki
Treasurer
Oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and the handling of donations and expenditure.
Saru Shrestha
Outreach Coordinator
Builds relationships with community partners and coordinates volunteer recruitment and engagement.
How we are accountable
- Legal name
- Community Rise Foundation
- Structure
- A nonprofit corporation established in Utah
- Bylaws adopted
- 11 January 2026
- Principal office
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Board
- 5 directors, serving without compensation
- Tax-exempt status
- Application for 501(c)(3) recognition in progress
We are being straight about this: recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) is a first-year goal set out in our Bylaws, and the application is in progress. Until the IRS determination letter arrives we will not describe gifts as tax-deductible, and this page will say so.
Come and be part of it.
Membership is $10 a year and comes with a vote on how the Foundation is run.