The Ayala Foundation was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit corporation on December 28, 1961. It has been granted an extension of another 50 years by SEC last July 27, 2010. It was initially founded and named Filipinas Foundation, Inc. (FFI), based on the need “to push the frontiers of knowledge and abolish poverty and privation in whatever form among the people of the Philippines”. It is a pioneering corporate foundation of the Ayala group of companies at the time. After 1986 People Power Revolution, it renewed its commitment to the country for a great sense of hope and eagerness to contribute to national development. In 1990, FFI was renamed Ayala Foundation, signifying the renewed commitment of the Ayala group of companies to responding to the needs of a changing society. Over the years, AFI has implemented and operates in almost all regions of the country through partnership with government, non-government, corporate, and community-based organizations, and private individuals. Its main office is located at 8/F 111 Paseo de Roxas Building, corner Paseo de Roxas & Legaspi Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Its purposes, among others, are “to envision communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant and proud to be Filipino; to act as catalyst for inclusion to bridge community and business aspirations; and to build and nurture partnerships with public and private groups, civil society and Ayala to achieve impact, scale and sustainability for everyone involved.” The foundation focuses on the following program areas: Education, Youth Leadership, Sustainable Livelihood, Arts & Culture, Disaster Response, and other special projects.