HAWAI‘I ISLAND
West Hawai‘i Fund
Celebrating a 20-year legacy of partnerships, community and charitable giving
It is hard to believe a gift of $250 helped transform a community into a vibrant and thriving place for its residents 20 years later. Thanks to that initial investment, plus the foresight of a group of its residents, the West Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i Island, its legacy continues to inspire others to give back as well. “A kūpuna (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 Hawai‘i Fund Advisory Committee member. “This fund is all about caring for West Hawai‘i.”
Strengthening West Hawaiʻi Through Multi‑Year Community Grants
The West Hawaiʻi Fund supports nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities across West Hawaiʻi by investing in programs that respond to local priorities and promote long‑term community well‑being.
Beginning with the 2026 application cycle, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation will transition the West Hawaiʻi Community Grants program to a two‑year grant structure. This approach is designed to provide greater funding stability for nonprofit partners while supporting longer‑term planning and sustained community impact.
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:
- Provide greater predictability and stability in funding
- Support longer‑term program planning
- Reduce administrative burden for nonprofit organizations
- Strengthen partnerships and deepen community impact over time
West Hawaiʻi Grant Cycle Timing
- Applications will open in July 2026
- Awards will support programs implemented during the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 grant years
- There will be no new West Hawaiʻi Community Grants application cycle in 2027, as funded organizations will be supported through the second year of their award
Moving forward, Community Grants will continue to alternate annually between West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, ensuring ongoing investment across Hawaiʻi Island.
Contact Michelle Pope, HCF program officer, at mpope@hcf-hawaii.org if you have any questions.