We are part of an innovation ecosystem that is
RE-IMAGINING philanthropy in Hawaiʻi
What if philanthropy became one of the means of transforming the power relations embedded within contemporary capitalism rather than a reflection of it?
Hawaiʻi has an opportunity to leverage the wealth of the few for the benefit of the many by providing wealth holders with opportunities for new strategies of grant making and partnership.
We are one of many tributaries working toward
RE-WAI-TALIZING local communities
What if philanthropic funds were a channel to transform the way wealth and resources are put in service of local organizations and communities in Hawaiʻi?
Hoʻiwai Fund is built from an understanding of the needs and interests of its beneficiaries, the hardworking change agents of Hawaiʻi, who, if better resourced, would be the solution to the problems they face.
To do this, we look to ancestral Hawaiian wisdom of integrated resource management for inspiration and grounding.
Hoʻiwai is a Hawaiian mechanism for returning water that has been used for irrigation, and regenerated with nutrients, back to its originating stream to benefit all life — flora, fauna, and human inhabitants.
In alignment with these indigenous principles of reciprocity and balance, we are proud to present Hoʻiwai Fund:
Hoʻiwai is a new funding intermediary, rooted in and powered by a deep commitment to equity and socioeconomic justice, that re-distributes wealth toward revitalizing communities in Hawaiʻi.
What makes us unique?
We aim for greater equity and power sharing
We minimize administrative burden while maximizing community-led impact and agency
We engage funders to become better partners
What is an intermediary?
A strategic partner that connects funders to the people and movements they want to fund. An agent of transformation that advances power building and racial equity as a core function.
Benefits of intermediaries:
Bigger Impact - ensure grants and impact investments reach small and mid-sized organizations or are invested in local projects, businesses, or other financing vehicles.
Encourages mutual support - Peer sharing creates opportunities for co-learning and co-discovery, laying the groundwork for powerful, interconnected networks.
Advances power sharing - Centering equity in business, and growing trust in relationships, especially within communities of color.
Shared leadership and networked approaches promote connection and collective action.
Facilitate collaboration between funders and the pooling of funds for re-granting, more effectively moving resources to grassroots organizations than they might be able to on their own.
How You Can Join Us
