What if philanthropy became one of the means of transforming the power relations embedded within contemporary capitalism rather than a reflection of it?
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?
Hawaiʻi has an opportunity to leverage the wealth of the few for the benefit of the many.
Hoʻiwai Fund is a new philanthropic intermediary, 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 conduit 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 Fund is a new funding channel, rooted in and powered by a deep commitment to equity and socioeconomic justice, that re-distributes resources toward revitalizing Hawaiʻi.
WHERE SHOULD I PUT THIS SECTION?
Hoʻi = Return
Wai = Fresh water
Hoʻiwai is a Native Hawaiian mechanism for returning water that has been used for irrigation and regenerated with nutrients back to its original source streams.
What makes us unique?
We are an intermediary built from the needs & interests of its beneficiaries
We provide community + context so funders can become better partners
Our social justice "fund of funds" allows for greater equity and power sharing
What is an intermediary?
A strategic partner that connects funders to the groups they fund.
Benefits of intermediaries:
Bigger Impact - Grantmakers can combine their resources through collaborative or pooled funds, more effectively moving resources to grassroots organizations than they might be able to on their own.
Encourages mutual support - Peer sharing creates opportunities for donors to learn from the field and lays the groundwork for powerful, interconnected networks.
Advances power sharing - Pursue more equitable distribution of wealth and other resources within communities of color.
Shared leadership and networked approaches promote collective connection and action.
CREATE SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL CHANGE
Hoʻokahe wai, hoʻoulu ʻāina
Make the water flow, make the land flourish
“We should avoid grant making processes that feel like another form of welfare.”
-KD Chavez, Intrapeneur, ACLU