Join me in supporting the 2021 Giving Project!

What: In January, I was accepted to the Hawaiʻi People's Fund (HPF) Giving Project, a 6-month cohort dedicated to learning, connecting with community, and fundraising $126,000 to grant to organizations building a healthier, more just future for Hawaiʻi. HPF has been doing this work for almost 50 years and understands that the people closest to the ground are the people closest to the solutions. It is my goal to shift resources to the communities working towards systemic change—addressing the root causes of inequity, not just the symptoms.

How to support: I have a goal of funding one full $7,000 grant. Every donation of any amount is an investment in community-led organizations focused on social change in Hawaiʻi. I would be honored if you would join me in contributing at one of the below levels, and please help share this opportunity widely!

1. $350. If 10 people donate at this level, we will fund one $7,000 grant!
2. $100. If 35 people donate at this level, we will meet this goal!
3. $35. If 100 people donate at this level, we will contribute $7,000 to social change!

Why: This past year has highlighted how underserved communities are more impacted by crises. It has also shown me that organizations led by people impacted by injustice are best positioned to address social and environmental problems. This is a great opportunity for those from Hawaiʻi, those who have made a home here, and those who visit to help ensure that this place and people have support in healing and future building.

Who: The grantees focus on a range of areas, including education, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, civil rights, art & media, Hawaiian epistemology, health & wellbeing, and cultural resource management. You can read about past grantees and what we weʻre up to at the Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fund website. Learn about past grantees here.

When: We have 11 days left to raise $140,000 in total, as of 4/23/2021!

Examples of HPF Grantees:

Women’s Health + Reproductive Justice: Kāʻū Womenʻs Health Collective was founded by a hui of moms to address reproductive justice issues impacting the health of Pāhala residents, from teen pregnancy to childbirth trauma to high rates of cancer and diabetes.

Education + Gender Equity: Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking is committed to achieving intersectional gender equity in filmmaking. They are a creative and safe space where film and media-makers connect, create, mentor, and inspire current and future generations of women to explore and pursue careers in the field of filmmaking.

Youth Suicide Prevention: Kūkulu Kumuhana o Anahola arose from the collective grief over a number of youth/young adult suicides and suicide attempts in the community of Anahola. KKOA works to assist young people in developing life skills that will strengthen their identity through Hawaiian values, build self-esteem, and offer support in successfully managing their futures as a community.