Strengthening Hawaii's Communities

Strengthening Hawaii's Communities
Building Island by Island

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At HCF, we place a high value on strengthening communities. After all, “community” is our middle name.

Understandably, people are most motivated to support organizations and initiatives close to home. When we give locally, we see the impact most readily and can take pride in having helped our friends and neighbors.

We support several funds that address the most pressing needs of the community, both generally for the state, as well as for specific geographic areas of the Islands

Community Needs Fund
Community Needs Fund

In Hawaii, as in all communities, residents have ongoing, emerging, and immediate needs. Thanks to our strong networks and generous donors, the Hawaii Community Foundation adapts to the needs of the community as they change.

People entrust HCF to help them make a difference in Hawaii
Donors who contribute to the Community Needs Fund enable HCF to provide support where it is most needed—whether in response to a natural or man-made disaster, or to an economic downturn, such as the prolonged one Hawaii is still experiencing, in which families are struggling to find steady employment and provide for their most basic needs.

An easy and strategic way for you to help build a healthy community
You can either give a gift directly to HCF's Community Needs Fund or set up a named fund for the same purpose. By giving full discretion to the Hawaii Community Foundation to address the most pressing issues in the community and identify solutions that will make the greatest impact, you can be confident that your investment will make a difference.

Help Hawaii prepare for tomorrow, today.

Give to the community needs fund
 

Kukio Community Fund
Kukio Community Fund

The Kukio Community Fund was established in 2001 as a way for Kukio residents to connect with the surrounding Hawaii Island community through meaningful charitable giving opportunities.  With assistance from HCF, the Kukio Community Fund finds the best organizations increasing youth success on Hawaii Island and supports their critically important work.

We focus on the young people of Hawaii Island because their success has a ripple effect on the entire community.  By supporting education and youth development, the Kukio Community Fund is increasing the success of local youth in school, in work and in life.

Get more inofrmation on the kukio Community fund
 

East Hawaii Fund
East Hawaii

With the help of KTA Superstores, the estate of Frederick Yokoyama and a committed group of residents, the East Hawaii Fund was established to provide a stronger link between charitable donors and the specific needs of the east side of Hawaii Island. This regional fund, a component fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, continues to grow through contributions, bequests and planned gifts from businesses and individuals. A volunteer advisory committee made up of trusted residents of East Hawaii, works with the Hawaii Community Foundation’s professional staff to match the Fund’s resources with community needs through grants. 

Read More About the East Hawaii Fund
 

West Hawaii Fund
West Hawaii

Celebrating a 20-year legacy of partnerships, community and charitable giving
It is hard to believe that a gift of $250 could help transform a community into a vibrant and thriving place for its residents to live, work and play 20 years later. Thanks to that initial investment, plus the foresight of a group of area residents, the West Hawaii Fund exists today. Not only does it provide a permanent resource to address the current and emerging needs of residents living on the west side of Hawaii Island, its legacy continues to inspire others to give back as well. “A kupuna (elder) once said, it is one thing to build a canoe, it’s another thing to maintain and sustain it,” says Wally Lau, former West Hawaii Fund Advisory Committee member. “This Fund is all about caring for West Hawaii.”

read more about the west hawaii fund
 

Maui Nui Community
Maui Nui

The Maui Nui Community Fund was established to support organizations in Maui County.   Originally named the Valley Isle Vision Fund by its creator Marti deBenedetti, in 2014 Marti renamed it to clearly define this fund as supporting Maui County. Many thanks to Marti and the other generous donors who have given to this fund (see list below.) 

The Maui Nui Community Fund is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries.  FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community.  HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization.  This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations.  Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.

HCF thanks the generous donors who have contributed to this fund:

Anonymous (1)
Eugene and Beryl Bal
Kathleen M. Buenger, in memory of Euphence Vockrodt
Stephen M. Case
Marti deBenedetti, Fund Creator
Richard Ford
Ginger V. Gannon, in memory of Mary Rocha, mother of Leona Wilson
Mitch D. Jenkins
Buck Joiner
Craig Kawamura, in memory of John Linden
Marsha Linden, in memory of John Linden, her late husband
Laurie S. Lowson
B. Martin Luna, in memory of John C. Baldwin   
Luanna McKenney
Charles G. Meyer
Charlotte Nakamura
Charlotte Nakamura, in memory of Janet Kitagawa Moore
Lois E. Reiswig
F.P. Rivera In memory of Fred Rivera
Jefferson and Patricia Stillwell
Kay & Lorraine S. Tamaribuchi
Grace Hamasaki in memory of Kay Tamaribuchi

  • In memory of Hisashi Inouye, father of Pat Endsley
  • In memory of Mary Rocha,  mother of Leona Wilson
  • In memory of John J. DeBenedetti & The Luna's mothers
  • In memory of Jean Gannon
  • In memory of Janet Kitagawa Moore

Brenda Tobias Made in honor of Richard & Evelyn Platek
Benjamin C. Willis
 

Richard Smart Fund
Richard Smart

In honor of Richard Smart's legacy for the community of Waimea on Hawai'i Island, HCF has created the "Ho ohui O Waimea - Waimea Coming Together" grant program.  This grant supports organizations in Waimea that strengthen existing and build new connections between the people of Waimea.  Through this grant program, HCF hopes to encourage people and community organizations to get involved in making Waimea a great place to live.

The Richard Smart Fund – Ho ohui O Waimea Grant Program is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation.  Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries.  FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community.  HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization.  This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations.  Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.
 

Ewa Beach Community Fund
Ewa Beach

The fund was created in 1995 and supports organizations that work to improve the quality of life of the residents of the Ewa area.  Preference is given to organizations that conduct programs in Ewa Beach.  Grants support organizations that promote positive youth development (particularly, after school) and enrich the lives of the elderly.

The Ewa Beach Community Fund is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation.  Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries.  FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community.  HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization.  This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations.  Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.
 

Kahuku Community Fund
Giving Back 01
Giving Back 02
Giving Back 03

The Kahuku Community Fund was established by the Estate of James Campbell in 2005 “to be used for charitable and community purposes within the geographic district of Kahuku, bounded by Turtle Bay and Malaekahana.” Preference is given to organizations that address educational opportunities; recreational opportunities; economic sufficiency; social conditions; health care; strategic action plan around future development of the Kahuku community; housing opportunities; cultural arts, practices and values of the Ko olauloa moku.

The Kahuku Community Fund is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries. FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community. HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization. This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations. Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.
 

Lanai Community Benefit Fund
Lanai Community Fund

The purpose of the Fund is to promote and enrich the lifestyle of the residents of Lanai through the support of educational, cultural and recreational activities for the Lanai community with special emphasis on youth, young adults and senior citizens.

The Lanai Community Benefit Fund is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries.  FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community.  HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization.  This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations.  Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.
 

Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund
Sinclair

The fund supports organizations that benefit the people, flora and fauna of Kauai. Funding is available for a broad range of community needs, including culture and arts, education, environment, health and human services.

The Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund is now a part of the Community Grants Program at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Organizations will be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.
 

Kauai Aloha Endowment Fund
Aloha Na Pali

The Kauai Aloha Endowment was established to support projects and programs on Kauai that protect, preserve, and enhance the island’s natural beauty promote its culture and arts, and serve the needs of individuals and the community. The endowment seeks to perpetuate the vision “Aloha: It’s Kauai’s Spirit.

Contribute to the Kauai Aloha Endowment Fund
 

Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund
Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa

The fund supports organizations that promote resource conservation for the community that would affect the use of natural resources such as water and land.  The goal is to create and instill a conservation ethic in our keiki and ohana, an attitude that recognizes and respects living on an island of finite resources.  Projects must benefit the geographical community identified by the zip codes of 96707 (Kapolei) and 96792 (Waianae).

The Ka Papa o Kakuhihewa Fund is now a part of the new FLEX Grants program at the Hawaii Community Foundation.  Using a common, on-line application, FLEX Grants were created to provide Hawaii’s nonprofits with a source of flexible unrestricted support so that they can continue to provide needed programs in the community. This support allows an organization to prioritize its own needs, and to respond to unforeseen opportunities or community needs. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as administrative costs, program costs, or salaries.  FLEX Grants are intended to support organizations that can demonstrate the health of their organizational infrastructure, the effectiveness of their programs, and the role and importance of their organization in its community.  HCF recognizes that health and effectiveness will look differently depending on the size and maturity of the organization.  This program is not intended to fund start-up projects or organizations.  Organizations will only be considered for grants from this fund when the purpose, such as geographic or areas of interest, are a match.