The Hawaii Children’s Trust Fund (HCTF) was established in 1993 by state legislation, Chapter 350B of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS).

This legislation created a public-private partnership between the Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaii Community Foundation and structured the partnership to involve three advisory groups (a statewide Coalition, an Advisory Committee, and an Advisory Board). The mission of HCTF is to ensure that Hawaii’s children develop into healthy, productive, and caring individuals by promoting the advancement of community family strengthening programs in order to prevent child abuse and neglect. As the lead private partner for HCTF, the Hawaii Community Foundation holds and is responsible for the endowed fund that provides a permanent source of support for the grantmaking activities and other expenditures that support HCTF’s mission. More information about the HCTF partnership can found here. In 2013, HCTF celebrated its 20th anniversary. In its first 20 years, HCTF invested approximately $8.1 million in child abuse and neglect prevention programs, as well as public awareness efforts in Hawaii. In early 2014, in response to a need for predictable and stable funding sources, HCTF committed to three-years of investment in qualified projects, services, and activities that address areas of priority identified by the HCTF advisory groups and stakeholders.

The fund supports organizations that lead to the healthy development of Hawaii’s young children and youth.  Two areas of focus:  1) Youth (ages 6-20 years old) and 2) Young Children and their families (age birth to 5 years old).

The Rev. Takie Okumura Family Fund – Children and Youth 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 area of interest, is a match.