100 years

Strengthening Hawai‘i’s Communities
Building Island by Island

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HAWAI‘I ISLAND

East Hawai‘i Fund

 

With the help of KTA Superstores, the estate of Frederick Yokoyama and a committed group of residents, the East Hawai‘i Fund was established to provide a stronger link between charitable donors and the specific needs of the east side of Hawai‘i Island. This regional fund, a component fund of the Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i works with HCF staff to match the fund’s resources with community needs through grants.

Strengthening East Hawaiʻi Through Multi‑Year Community Grants

The East Hawaiʻi Fund supports nonprofit organizations by investing in programs that address local needs and build long‑term resilience. A volunteer advisory committee made up of trusted residents of East Hawai‘i works with HCF staff to match the fund’s resources with community needs through grants.

Beginning with the 2027 application cycle, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation will transition the East Hawaiʻi Community Grants program to a two‑year grant structure. This approach is designed to provide greater stability and flexibility for nonprofit partners while supporting deeper, longer‑term impact in East Hawaiʻi communities.

Under this structure, eligible organizations will apply for funding to support programs over a two‑year award period. While grant funds will continue to be released annually, organizations awarded funding will not be required to reapply in the second year, provided grant requirements are met.

This shift reflects feedback from nonprofit partners and community advisors and is intended to:

  • Support longer‑term planning and program continuity
  • Provide greater predictability in funding
  • Reduce administrative burden for organizations
  • Strengthen partnerships and community impact over time

East Hawaiʻi Grant Cycle Timing

As the program transitions to this new structure:

  • There will be no East Hawaiʻi Community Grants application cycle in 2026
  • Grantmaking for East Hawaiʻi will resume in 2027, with awards supporting programs during the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 grant years

Moving forward, Community Grants will continue to alternate annually between East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi, ensuring sustained investment across Hawaiʻi Island.

Contact Michelle Pope, HCF program officer, at mpope@hcf-hawaii.org if you have any questions.