AQUME Foundation community celebration
About

Community Foundations

There are over 900 Community Foundations in operation across the United States, yet there are only 6 Black-founded and led Community Foundations.

These statistics make the work that we do more important now than ever before as Black Community Foundations play a vital role in empowering and uplifting Black communities across our nation. We provide funding, resources, and strategic support to organizations that address social, economic, and educational inequalities by investing directly in the community; we help promote self-determination and sustainable growth from within!

Black Community Foundations also serve as vehicles for collective giving, where individuals and businesses can pool their resources to create lasting change and fund initiatives that preserve Black culture, support youth development, improve access to education, and strengthen entrepreneurship — all of which contribute to building generational wealth and opportunity.

900+
Community Foundations across the United States
6
Black-founded and led Community Foundations
Black Community Foundations leadership

Beyond Financial Support

Beyond financial support, Black Community Foundations are essential in reshaping philanthropy to be more inclusive and equitable. We challenge traditional funding systems that have historically excluded or underfunded Black communities. We amplify Black voices, advocate for systemic change, and ensure that charitable giving reflects the real needs and priorities of the people it serves. Through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, we foster a sense of pride, unity, and resilience within the community.

Ultimately, Black Community Foundations are not just about charity — they are about justice, empowerment, and the creation of a future where all communities can live a dignified life of prosperity!

Black Community Foundations Timeline

Want to learn more about Black Community Foundations? Check out the timeline below highlighting the emergence of Black Community Foundations across the nation who are doing amazing work in their communities!

1980

Poise Foundation

Pennsylvania

2010

Prosperity Foundation

Connecticut

2017

Penny Foundation

Alabama

2020

Minnesota Black Collective Foundation

Minnesota

2021

AQUME Foundation

Michigan

2025

Black Freedom Found

California

Invest in Black Community Power