Help us reimagine philanthropy and move significant resources to grassroots organizations in Hawaiʻi!

Background: I’m participating in the Giving Project, organized by Hawai’i People’s Fund (HPF). This means that for 6 months, I’ve committed to meeting with a cohort of peers for four hours every other Saturday to learn about structural racism in Hawai’i, justice in philanthropy, and the amazing grassroots groups that HPF supports.

How I Got Involved: I found out about HPF’s Giving Project from my dear friend and amazing community leader, Rachel James. I was drawn to the Giving Project because it is dedicated to creating REAL CHANGE in the lives of people in our community and the environment that sustains us all. At its core, the Giving Project works to generate a shared understanding of the unjust history that allows people like me (a white, cis gender man) to benefit from tremendous privilege while others, frequently indigenous communities and people of color, are excluded and marginalized. The Giving Project has allowed me to learn about the needs in Hawai'i, how build stronger community connections, and find ways to give back to the place that has given me so much.

Collective Goal: Folks in our group have all different backgrounds with regards to race, class, gender, age, etc. We have a collective goal to call in our communities and raise nearly $200,000 by May 4 to support current HPF grantees.

Why HPF is the bomb: HPF supports, funds, and amplifies Hawaiʻi-based grassroots organizations working for social justice in Hawai‘i.

• All of HPF’s grantees are (1) community-focused, (2) constituent-led, and (3) support long term change.
• Of the 27 current grantees, 100% are grassroots (groups that are of the community and serve the community) and 83% are Kānaka Maoli-led.
• Most of these nonprofits and groups are so small they can’t access mainstream funding sources. Their work is driven by passion and kuleana, and often goes unpaid.
• HPF has an Activist-Advised Grantmaking approach, meaning they involve community activists and leaders in philanthropic decision-making, ensuring those who spend their lives on the front lines share power in the grantmaking process.
• Their broad vision is to support all huis working towards justice in Hawai’i regardless of ethnicity, but believe that the conversation and work begins with indigenous justice.

Why I’m doing this: I believe that we cannot ignore the disparities that exist in Hawai’i as a result of our distressing history. And I believe that in supporting solutions, it is critical to lift up those who are leading from within the most affected communities.

Will you join this collective effort? In addition to making my own makana aloha (meaningful personal gift) of $4,000, I am asking others to consider giving a meaningful gift of their own. Every. Gift. Counts. Any support that you are able to provide will be greatly appreciated and will help TIE YOU to the powerful work that the Hawai‘i People’s Fund and its many grantee organizations are doing in our community. This is as much about education, advocacy, and awareness as it is about money! While one-time gifts are tremendously appreciated, please consider becoming a supporter on an annual or monthly basis.

Can’t donate right now? If you are not in a position to donate money, you can sign up for HPF’s emails, follow HPF on Facebook or Instagram, and/or check out their website to learn more about HPF’s grassroots partners through their Hawai’i Rising podcast and other resources.

MAHALO for taking the time to read and consider! Hiki Nō (can do)!