Provide funding to social change organizations in Hawai'i.

JOIN ME in supporting real change from the roots UP! Help us ensure a just and equitable Hawaiʻi!

Background: Moving home to Hawai'i has been a blessing, but after 25 years there is much for me to learn. As a way to reconnect to my community, 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 how racism, classism impact people in Hawai'i and the amazing grassroots groups that are addressing these issues.

How I Got Involved: I am committed to social justice work and have been watching the work of the Chinook fund in Colorado for years. I wanted to (re)learn about the needs in Hawai'i, build stronger community connections, learn more about the local nonprofit sector and find ways to give back to the place that has given me so much. This program is giving me a great opportunity to learn, grow and build a new community.

Collective Goal: Folks in our group come from all different backgrounds with regards to race, class, gender, age, etc. We have a collective goal to call in our communities and raise $100,000 by May 4 to support current HPF grantees.

Why HPF is the amazing: 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 (people indigenous to Hawai'i).
• 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: Hawai'i was stolen by the US from the Kingdom of Hawai'i. While we can't go back and undue the harm, I believe that we cannot ignore the disparities that exist in Hawai’i. I believe that in supporting solutions, it is critical to lift up those who are leading from within the most affected communities.

Makana Aloha: It's not hello to my daughter :) it's a loving gift to Hawai'i!! Will you join this collective effort? Even if you can only spare $5, Every. Gift. Counts. This is as much about advocacy and awareness as it is about money.

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)!