THE GARDEN ISLAND - $370K granted to Kaua‘i nonprofits

The Garden Island, Scott Yunker

LIHU‘E — Eleven Kaua‘i organizations have received a combined $370,000 in grants from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. The donations come from the foundation’s new CHANGE Grants program, which donated $7 million total to 194 nonprofits statewide. CHANGE stands for Community and economy, Health and wellness, Arts and culture, Natural environment, Government and civics and Education.

“These grants will support the diverse work of 11 nonprofit organizations headquartered on Kaua‘i that aligns with our CHANGE framework around systems change, and also addresses the island’s needs in response to the pandemic,” said Robin Pratt, philanthropy officer for HCF’s Kaua‘i office.

“From preserving fishponds to creating a food hub for farmers to sell produce to providing access to telehealth, each organization can use the funding to meet their organizations’ needs as they continue to address disparities and gaps in our community,” she said.

The CHANGE grants were funded with $2 million from 665 in-state donors and $5 million from a gift made by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Kaua‘i grantees fall into six categories, or “sectors,” that HCF deems essential to the well-being of Hawai‘i. Leadership Kaua‘i, a nonprofit that teaches life skills to adults and youth, received $30,000 in the Government and Ccvics sector.

“Our organization’s founders had the foresight to create a program that would prepare leaders for crises like COVID-19,” said Char Ravelo, Leadership Kaua‘i executive director.

“Infused with culture, collaboration and diversity, individuals gain confidence, professional skills, networking and leadership knowledge, to able to rise up and take the lead,” she said.

“We are grateful for this CHANGE grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to continue our efforts in supporting Kaua‘i’s leaders in their government and civic engagement for community resilience.”

In the Health and wellness sector, Kaua‘i Food Bank Inc. received $25,000; Malama Kaua‘i, $30,000; Malama Pono Health Services, $50,000; and YWCA of Kaua‘i, $30,000.

In Arts and culture, the Garden Island Arts Council received $35,000; Hale Halawai ‘Ohana Hanalei, $50,000; and Hui O Mana Ka Pu‘uwai Outrigger Canoe Club, $20,000.

In Natural environment, Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea received $30,000; and Malama Hule‘ia, $40,000.

In Education, Island School received $30,000.

The Hawai‘i Land Trust, a statewide nonprofit with preserves on Kaua‘i, also received $50,000.

“HILT is honored to be selected for the first CHANGE Grants program, which provides much-needed funding for our ongoing educational and cultural programs, as well as land stewardship and preservation support,” Laura Ka‘akua, president and CEO of HILT, said in a press release.