AQUME Foundation was not created because the resources didn't exist. We were created because our communities were not receiving their fair share.
AQUME Foundation was founded in 2021 with a bold vision: to transform philanthropy into a powerful vehicle for economic justice, community ownership, and generational wealth.
As a grassroots, Black-founded, Black-led, and Black-serving community foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, AQUME was built to address a fundamental inequity in philanthropy—the communities most impacted by economic and racial disparities are too often excluded from the resources and decision-making power needed to change their circumstances.
We believe our communities deserve more than charitable assistance. We deserve investment, ownership, opportunity, and the power to shape our own futures.
Founded by attorney and social entrepreneur Ciarra C. Adkins, Esq., AQUME Foundation emerged from a commitment to challenge traditional systems and create something different.
Building a community foundation without an endowment or the backing of established philanthropic institutions was never going to be easy. From self-funding the early vision and holding board meetings in a living room to securing foundational grants and expanding our capacity, our journey has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in what our communities can accomplish.
We were built from the ground up, with the understanding that community-centered philanthropy should not be reserved for those who already hold wealth and influence. Giving, investing, and creating change should be accessible to everyone.
Our story is proof that a bold vision, rooted in community and sustained by collective generosity, can become a lasting institution.
Michigan is home to thousands of foundations and significant philanthropic resources. Yet the existence of wealth does not automatically mean equitable access to it.
AQUME Foundation exists to help close that gap by centering the Black experience while acknowledging the broader struggles and aspirations of all communities of color. We recognize that historical disinvestment, systemic barriers to wealth accumulation, and inequities in philanthropic decision-making continue to shape the opportunities available to our communities.
We believe the people closest to the challenges must have a meaningful voice in determining the solutions—and the resources to bring those solutions to life.
You do not have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist. Every act of generosity, every shared resource, and every community investment has the potential to create meaningful change.
We unapologetically center Black experiences, leadership, and economic empowerment while working toward a future where all communities of color have equitable opportunities to thrive.
Building wealth requires more than individual effort. It requires access to knowledge, resources, ownership, and systems that support long-term economic security.
Sustainable solutions emerge when communities have the resources, relationships, and decision-making power to shape their own futures.
Through community grantmaking, event sponsorships, college scholarships, youth philanthropy, financial education, estate planning initiatives, and opportunities for collective giving, AQUME Foundation works to turn these beliefs into tangible investments.
Every program, partnership, and philanthropic contribution moves us closer to a future where resources reach the communities that need them, grassroots leadership is valued, and philanthropy reflects the people it serves.
We are helping build the foundation for a more equitable economic future.
AQUME Foundation began with a vision that many could not yet see. Today, that vision continues to grow through the generosity of donors, the commitment of volunteers, the leadership of community partners, and the resilience of the communities we serve.
As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: to build a philanthropic institution that is accountable to community, intentional about equity, and bold enough to challenge the status quo.
Our story is still being written—and everyone who gives, serves, partners, or believes in this mission has an opportunity to be part of it.
Be Part of Our Story.
Join us in transforming generosity into opportunity and collective giving into lasting community impact.
