Support grassroots organizations in Hawaiʻi!

Join me in supporting community change to build a just and equitable Hawaiʻi

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I became acutely aware of the social and economic inequities in Hawai'i. The lack of tourism activity highlighted Hawai'i's reliance on an industry that doesn't honor its rich culture and history.

Hawaiʻi values deep connection and community. Until the pandemic, I didn't realize how much this influenced my own beliefs. It took a while for me to articulate the words and the reasons why. Through my work with the Giving Project, I've gotten a chance to find the words then act on them.

I firmly believe in the dignity of life. That includes honoring each other's cultures, identities, and histories. It also means recognizing that each community has different obstacles and choices accessing opportunities. Most importantly, the belief in a dignified life means creating a more just and equitable future for all of us—one that we're proud to pass down to future generations.

Since 1972, the Hawaiʻi's People's Fund has supported hundreds of grassroots organizations with the same goal. For this year's Giving Project, we're focusing on 27 of them. The Hawaiʻi's People's Fund has historically supported groups that focus on:

• Native Hawaiian land stewardship through cultural practices (like recreating the self-sustaining ahupuaʻa system on different islands)
• Sustainability and renewable energy (like developing community-managed renewable energy resources on Molokaʻi)
• Food sovereignty and education (like creating compost from food waste and preventing it from ending up in landfills)
• Health and wellness in marginalized communities (like sharing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural birthing practices)
• Language learning (like teaching Micronesian youth about their language and cultural heritage)
• Community and mentorship (like connecting Native Hawaiian students to STEM opportunities and mentorship)

Many of these groups have adapted to the pandemic and have used funds from HPF to do so. Many of them are still working through the challenges of the pandemic, and HPF's funds can support them through that. Our monetary support helps them focus on the work it takes to empower their communities. Learn more about the grantees

The Giving Project has a cohort of 20 people, with a shared goal of raising $100,000 by May. I've personally given $400 to fund our grantees' continued work. Through my networks, I hope to raise $5000 for these groups and Hawaiʻi's future. I would be so grateful if you would consider donating $50 as a one-time gift or $5 as a monthly donation. No donation is too small, and each dollar is investment in Hawai'i's future—a future that isn't solely reliant on tourism to sustain it.

Together, we can build a Hawai'i that honors our shared history and empowers us to create equitable and just future for all of us lucky enough to call it home. Thank you for your support.

PS. The Hawaiʻi People's Fund is a recognized 501c(3) organization. Through Microsoft's matching program, I'm able to donate $40 a month ($20 from me, $20 from Microsoft). If your company matches donation funds, please consider using that instead.