United by a feeling of connection to the island and a sense of responsibility to the people living in surrounding communities, a small group of Kukio residents came together over a decade ago. They established the Kukio Community Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation as a vehicle for charitable giving and ultimately decided to focus on the youth of West Hawaii.
“The Kukio Community Fund grew out of a shared belief in the value of partnership and a common desire to connect with and support our local community. We believe in working together to really make a difference rather than just going it alone.” – Carl Carlson
The Advisory Committee is led and facilitated by HCF’s Hawai‘i Island staff. HCF provides a local, professionally-managed and cost effective mechanism for the fund’s grantmaking and operations.
“By establishing the Kukio Fund as part of the Hawaii Community Foundation, we gained access to quality opportunities on Hawaii Island and optimized our chance to do the most good.” – Grant Heidrich
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Current Advisory Committee Members:
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Emeritus Committee Members:
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Benjy Garfinkle, Co-chair
Sally Hartman
Grant Heidrich
David Johnston
Andrea McTamaney
Hannah Springer
Danielle White
Ross Wilson Jr.
Dawn Zierk, Co-chair
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Sam Ainslie
Carl Carlson
BJ Kobayashi
Jim Lally
Robert Punihaole
Elle Stephens |
We keep our operating expenses at less than five percent to maximize the dollars that go directly to programs benefiting the community.
“Every contribution however large or small helps to meet the community’s most pressing needs and directly benefits children and families. As part of HCF, we keep our administration costs very low so every dollar given goes where it is most needed.” – Andrea McTamaneyOur fund has an annual Request for Proposals that is distributed throughout the community by HCF. Nonprofit organizations submit grant proposals, resulting in an accessible and competitive selection process.
The Kukio Community Fund conducts an annual campaign to involve Kūki‘o members as donors. In 2014 over $400,000 was raised through contributions from 113 donors.
Kukio Community Fund