General FAQs

1. What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with donors in a specific geographic area to help them accomplish their philanthropic goals.

Traditionally, a community foundation has four roles. It serves as a:

	builder and caretaker of permanent community resources
	service provider to donors
	grantmaker
	convener, catalyst and collaborator within the community

2. What does the Hawai‘i Community Foundation do?

As one of the oldest community foundations in the country, established in 1916, Hawai‘i Community Foundation is a repository of more than 400 charitable funds that have been set up by generous individuals, families and businesses across the state to benefit the people of Hawai‘i.

The Foundation distributes these charitable funds to Hawai‘i’s nonprofit organizations through a variety of programs. The fields that we fund and the levels of grants we make reflect these varied funds set up by donors for a specific purpose.

Hawai‘i Community Foundation also supports the advancement of knowledge, understanding and effectiveness in nonprofit organizations in Hawai‘i by providing training opportunities and disseminating information through studies and online resources.

3. Why give a gift to Hawai‘i Community Foundation rather than give directly to my favorite charity?

Establishing a fund with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to support the charity of your choice is a permanent gift that will produce income in perpetuity. A donor who supports a particular charity with an annual gift can continue to support that organization forever by making a permanent gift to Hawai‘i Community Foundation for that charity in his/her Will.

4. How is Hawai‘i Community Foundation different from other public charities?

Most public charities provide direct and specific services to the community (e.g. emergency food and shelter, early childhood development). Hawai‘i Community Foundation, while also a public charity, is primarily a grantmaker and not a direct service provider. Rather than focus on servicing a particular community need, Hawai‘i Community Foundation serves donors and the broad needs of the community.

5. What else does Hawai‘i Community Foundation do?

The Foundation serves as a bridge between donor interests and the nonprofits serving the communities of Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i Community Foundation supports the advancement of knowledge, understanding and effectiveness in nonprofit organizations in Hawai‘i by providing training opportunities and disseminating information through studies and online resources.

6. How is Hawai‘i Community Foundation funded?

The Foundation’s operating budget comes from the following primary sources:

	A one-time administrative fee on all incoming gifts
	Contract fees from federal programs

The Foundation’s Board of Governors is responsible for reviewing and approving operational budgets and fee assessment policies.

7. Are there other community foundations in Hawai‘i?

No. Hawai‘i Community Foundation is the only community foundation in Hawai‘i, serving the entire state with offices on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i and Maui.

A volunteer Board of Governors comprised of 20 members, each a leader in business or civic affairs, provide external oversight of the Foundation’s operations, contributing their considerable expertise and time. Board members meet at least four times a year as a body and also participate in committees throughout the year. The president and CEO of the Foundation reports to them. Please click here to view the list of the current Board of Governors.

8. How are members of the Board of Governors chosen?

Members are elected by the Board of Governors to serve three-year terms. The board selects new members on the basis of their knowledge of the educational, cultural, civic, moral, public and other charitable needs of the State of Hawai‘i and on the basis of their activity in or representation of public institutions or organizations in the State of Hawai‘i which are concerned with charitable, educational, social welfare and/or natural resources needs. The intent is to have the Board of Governors generally representative of the public interests in these needs in the State of Hawai‘i. Members must be a Hawai‘i resident or otherwise be closely identified with the state.

9. For answers to other FAQs, visit these links

	Grantseekers FAQs
	Private Foundation Services
	Scholarship FAQs
	Giving Through Hawai‘i Community Foundation FAQs

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