Giving Back

Empowering The Next Generation

At every stage of his career and life, Adonal has stayed committed to something bigger than himself: using his platform to create access, inspire leadership, and advocate for the underserved.

Giving back isn’t a side project for Adonal—it’s at the heart of who he is. Whether through education, sports, or civic engagement, he believes deeply in investing in the next generation and creating systems where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

That mission lives through two powerful nonprofit organizations he founded: the Kerosene Lamp Foundation and Democracy Matters. Each reflects a unique part of Adonal’s personal experience—his upbringing in the Caribbean, his academic journey, and his passion for justice and equity.

Kerosene Lamp Foundation

Illustration of children celebrating with a large kerosene lamp, featuring the words 'kerosene lamp foundation' at the top and bottom.

The Kerosene Lamp Foundation is named after the very tool that lit Adonal’s early learning journey. Growing up on Canouan, a small island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, electricity was a luxury. He studied by the light of a kerosene lamp—dim, flickering, but full of possibility. That light became a symbol of his belief: that even in the most limited circumstances, a young person’s potential can shine through.

Founded in 2005, KLF helps young people—especially those in under-resourced communities—build brighter futures through access to education, sports, mentorship, and leadership training. What makes KLF unique is its holistic approach: the foundation combines athletic development with academic support and character-building, helping youth thrive on every level.

KLF's impact is especially strong in the Caribbean and in U.S. communities where opportunity is often limited but dreams remain limitless.

Core Programs Include:

  • Basketball Camps & Clinics
    Held throughout the Caribbean and the U.S., these camps teach not just athletic skills but teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. Each participant receives personalized coaching, mentorship, and life-skills training.

  • Scholars & Leaders Program
    This flagship initiative identifies promising youth and provides them with scholarships, school supplies, and academic mentorship—ensuring they have the tools they need to stay in school and pursue higher education.

  • Literacy & Life Skills Outreach
    KLF integrates literacy programs and real-life coaching into its curriculum, focusing on everything from financial literacy and goal-setting to effective communication and mental health awareness.

  • Swinging for Kids Golf Tournament (Produced by Jumbi Productions)
    An annual signature fundraiser where sport meets service. Hosted by Adonal and featuring celebrity guests, this event raises critical funding for KLF programs while connecting donors and advocates to the mission in a dynamic, fun, and meaningful way.

Democracy Matters

Logo with the words 'Democracy Matters' and a black star with red stripes.

Founded by Adonal in 2001 while he was still playing in the NBA, Democracy Matters began with a question: What would happen if young people truly believed their voices mattered—and knew how to use them?

Today, Democracy Matters is a national student-led organization that works to strengthen democracy by empowering college and high school students to engage in meaningful political action, advocate for systemic change, and develop into lifelong civic leaders.

Adonal saw firsthand how money often distorts politics and silences everyday citizens. He founded Democracy Matters to combat that imbalance—starting with the next generation.

The organization is built on the belief that a strong democracy needs more than votes—it needs engaged, educated, and empowered citizens who understand the systems that shape their lives and how to impact them.

What Democracy Matters Does:

  • Campus Chapters & Student Organizing
    With active chapters across dozens of U.S. colleges and universities, students lead their own campaigns and civic engagement initiatives focused on campaign finance reform, social justice, and increasing voter participation.

  • Voter Engagement & Education
    Democracy Matters provides students with the tools and training to educate their peers, register voters, organize town halls, and raise awareness on critical civic issues.

  • Policy Advocacy & Reform Campaigns
    Through grassroots organizing, students work toward tangible change—fighting for more transparency in political funding, supporting public financing of elections, and holding elected officials accountable.

  • Fellowships, Internships & Leadership Development
    Democracy Matters offers hands-on opportunities for young people to deepen their advocacy skills, build professional networks, and shape their identities as future leaders in public service, politics, media, and beyond.