GRASSROOTS
SOCIAL CHANGE
SINCE 1972
Grantmaking
Kāmau
to keep on, continue, persevere, last, add a little more
Leaning into trust-based philanthropy practices and the incredible abundance that continues to bless our ʻohana, HPF extended 24 continuation grants to grassroots huis who have proven year over year their work towards long-lasting social change in our communities. We recognize the incredible work our partners do to advance justice in our communities, and also recognize our own kuleana to help to build capacity and sustain the general operations of Hawaiʻi-based grassroots organizations who have a proven track record of challenging systems of oppression as an HPF grantee. Theyʻve shown UP, again and again, and we are honored to support these fierce huis and the powerful force for change they are in Hawaiʻi!
Kāmau Grantees
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EA Ecoversity
EA Ecoversity is a culture-based post-secondary education and career training institution grounded in Education with Aloha (EA). Incorporated as a non-profit in 2023, EA Ecoversity’s goal is to provide young Hawaiians, ages 15-30, with culturally-driven, community-based educational experiences and opportunities, including career exploration and training, and by integrating modern technologies and initiatives with ancient ‘ike kūpuna and land-based practices. Based on traditional Hawaiian gift-culture, learners are gifted stipends while they gift their strengths and talents to the program, growing educated, 21st century Kanaka who are ready, willing, and able to advance Hawaiian language and culture, discover new knowledge grounded in ancient values and practices, take care of our ‘āina, and contribute to a thriving, independent Hawai’i. Based on over 35 years of Hawaiian action research by EA Ecoversity’s founder, president and award-winning educator, Dr. Kū Kahakalau, EA Ecoversity’s first two-year cohorts are scheduled to commence in Fall 2024.
Read more: EA EcoversityEA Ecoversity is a culture-based post-secondary education and career training institution grounded in Education with Aloha (EA). Incorporated as a non-profit in 2023, EA Ecoversity’s goal is to provide young Hawaiians, ages 15-30, with culturally-driven, community-based educational experiences and opportunities, including career exploration and training, and by integrating modern technologies and initiatives with ancient ‘ike…
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Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking
Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking advocates for women and girls (cis/trans), femmes, non-binary, gender-fluid and gender-queer to tell their stories through film with an intersectional lens. Making Media That Matters is a youth filmmaking program that focuses its content on social change and justice.
Read more: Hawai’i Women in FilmmakingHawai’i Women in Filmmaking advocates for women and girls (cis/trans), femmes, non-binary, gender-fluid and gender-queer to tell their stories through film with an intersectional lens. Making Media That Matters is a youth filmmaking program that focuses its content on social change and justice. hawaiiwomeninfilmmaking.org
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Hawai’i Workers Center
Hawai’i Workers Center envisions a Hawai’i where all workers are empowered to exercise their rights to organize for their social, economic and political wellbeing. Led by seasoned social change organizers, they serve as a resource of information, education, training, and community organizing. They provide workshops on workers’ rights, safety, health, and protection from wage theft, labor trafficking, abuse and harassment, and other workplace hazards and issues. They provide referrals to various health, housing, immigration-related, and legal resources, collaborating with labor, faith-based organizations, and others who share the mission of enhancing the wellbeing of workers.
On deck this year, HWC intends to conduct the Know Your Workers Rights training and Train-the-Trainers, continue to grow workers associations, strengthen and expand the COFA Workers Association, and expand the Defend and Respect Hawai’i’s Workers Coalition. This multi-pronged approach enhances HWC’s ability to win on priority issues and campaigns identified by workers themselves.
Read more: Hawai’i Workers CenterHawai’i Workers Center envisions a Hawai’i where all workers are empowered to exercise their rights to organize for their social, economic and political wellbeing. Led by seasoned social change organizers, they serve as a resource of information, education, training, and community organizing. They provide workshops on workers’ rights, safety, health, and protection from wage theft, labor…
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Hui Iwi Kuamo’o
Since 1989, Hui Iwi Kuamo’o has provided care for iwi kūpuna (ancestral Hawaiian bones), moepū (funerary possessions) and mea kapu (sacred objects) through repatriation and reburial. Founded as Hui Mālama i Nā Kūpuna ‘0 Hawai’i Nei (Hui Mālama), Hui Iwi Kuamo’o continues this kuleana (duties and responsibilities to care for the ancestors) as volunteers. They’ve traveled overseas to conduct national and international repatriations from museums, government agencies, and private individuals to identify iwi, advocate for their return, and physically escort them back to Hawai’i.
In 1894, iwi were illegally looted at the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, and taken overseas to Cambridge University to be included in the Duckworth Laboratory collections. Hui Iwi Kuamo’o advocated for their return, becoming the first ever to repatriate from Cambridge. To honor these particular ancestors for their role and sacrifice in the establishment of the Hawaiian Kingdom, they designed the Pali Reburial Memorial project to rebury them and build paepae (stone platform) over them. In summer 2023, Phase II of this project will build a perimeter wall around the reburial platform and host a training space for a new generation to take on this kuleana. Participants will engage deeply in the mea nui (importance) of protecting and caring for iwi and moepū, stone gathering and stone setting oli (chants), learn concepts, practices, and terms associated with traditional Hawaiian rock wall construction (including 30 stone-setting techniques), learn the political history of the Battle of Nu’uanu, and honor the warrior wāhine interred there.
Read more: Hui Iwi Kuamo’oSince 1989, Hui Iwi Kuamo’o has provided care for iwi kūpuna (ancestral Hawaiian bones), moepū (funerary possessions) and mea kapu (sacred objects) through repatriation and reburial. Founded as Hui Mālama i Nā Kūpuna ‘0 Hawai’i Nei (Hui Mālama), Hui Iwi Kuamo’o continues this kuleana (duties and responsibilities to care for the ancestors) as volunteers. They’ve…
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Hui Kaloko Honokōhau
Hui Kaloko Honokōhau is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and advancing the natural and cultural resources of Kaloko and the customary and traditional practices of Native Hawaiians of the area. As kia’i loko (fishpond guardians), they aim to restore, conserve, and manage the area’s water, natural, cultural, scenic, historic and marine resources for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of the community and future generations. The hui offers place based education opportunities at Kaloko Fishpond, and works with community and education groups interested in perpetuating Native Hawaiian cultural practices and fishpond rehabilitation.
Read more: Hui Kaloko HonokōhauHui Kaloko Honokōhau is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and advancing the natural and cultural resources of Kaloko and the customary and traditional practices of Native Hawaiians of the area. As kia’i loko (fishpond guardians), they aim to restore, conserve, and manage the area’s water, natural, cultural, scenic, historic and marine resources for the benefit, education,…
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Hui o Kuapā
Hui o Kuapā educates local and global communities about Native Hawaiian biocultural resource management through the restoration, use, and maintenance of Moloka’i’s loko i’a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) and their adjacent lands. The restoration of ‘Ōhalahala pond in the ahupua’a of Kūmimi on Moloka’i’s East end continues the hui’s legacy to ho’ohanohano (uplift and honor) fishpond stewardship, and preserve the inherent knowledge and values in the work for future generations.
Read more: Hui o KuapāHui o Kuapā educates local and global communities about Native Hawaiian biocultural resource management through the restoration, use, and maintenance of Moloka’i’s loko i’a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) and their adjacent lands. The restoration of ‘Ōhalahala pond in the ahupua’a of Kūmimi on Moloka’i’s East end continues the hui’s legacy to ho’ohanohano (uplift and honor) fishpond…
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Ka ‘Ahahui Hawai’i Aloha ‘Āina
Reactivated in 2016 from its original formation circa 1893, Ka ʻAhahui Hawaiʻi Aloha ʻĀina (Hui Aloha ʻĀina) exists for the expressed purpose of perpetuating Hawaiian national identity, the development of a Hawaiian national consciousness, and the restoration of Hawaiian national independence. Hui Aloha ʻĀina has branches on all major islands, is entirely volunteer driven, is a multigenerational combination of veterans of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, students, parents, labor organizers, workers, academics, and kuaʻāina alike.
The hui is in the planning stage of the Aloha ʻĀina Demilitarization Summit: Cease the Lease, with a specific focus on campaigning against the 2029 u.s. military lease renewals of approximately 47,000 acres of Hawaiian land. The summit seeks to assemble a coalition of activists and organizers engaging in the struggle against the ongoing cultural and environmental desecration at occupied u.s. military facilities such as Mākua Valley, Pōhakuloa Training Area, and others.
Read more: Ka ‘Ahahui Hawai’i Aloha ‘ĀinaReactivated in 2016 from its original formation circa 1893, Ka ʻAhahui Hawaiʻi Aloha ʻĀina (Hui Aloha ʻĀina) exists for the expressed purpose of perpetuating Hawaiian national identity, the development of a Hawaiian national consciousness, and the restoration of Hawaiian national independence. Hui Aloha ʻĀina has branches on all major islands, is entirely volunteer driven, is a multigenerational…
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Ka Lāhui Hawai’i
On January 17th, 1893, with the assistance of the u.s. military, a small group of Haole businessmen usurped control of the Hawaiian Kingdom from Queen Lili’uokalani, an act of war that has yet to be remedied 130 years later.
For generations, this egregious insurrection was hidden from the lāhui’s consciousness, and the world. Ka Lāhui Hawai’i believes that the events leading to this infamous day in Hawai’i’s history should never be forgotten again. The Onipa’a Peace March and Rally is held each year at Mauna’ala Royal Mausoleum and ‘Iolani Palace on January 17th to commemorate the beginning of the u.s. occupation of Hawai’i, its people, and control of its government. The annual gathering encourages public awareness, provides a venue to learn about the sordid events leading to the “overthrow”, community education opportunities to highlight and heal the effects of its injustice, and calls to ONIPA’A (stand firm) in the conviction to undo the harm to Kanaka Maoli, their ancestral lands, and political power in their own homeland.
Read more: Ka Lāhui Hawai’iOn January 17th, 1893, with the assistance of the u.s. military, a small group of Haole businessmen usurped control of the Hawaiian Kingdom from Queen Lili’uokalani, an act of war that has yet to be remedied 130 years later. For generations, this egregious insurrection was hidden from the lāhui’s consciousness, and the world. Ka Lāhui…
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Kahalu’u Kūāhewa
Kahalu’u Kūāhewa is a community-based organization located in the ahupuaʻa of Kahalu’u ma uka. Located in one of Konaʻs largest intact traditional agricultural field systems preserved within a 354-acre area owned by Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools, the hui has documented 3,500 archaeological features, 98.7% of which are considered traditional agricultural features. Removal of invasive species, revitalizing and restoring the traditional agricultural system, and consistent outplanting of ʻulu trees at Kalaʻulu feeds a larger vision to create a sustainable food resource to the local Kona community while simultaneously preserving wahi kūpuna and reconnecting kānaka to ʻāina.
Read more: Kahalu’u KūāhewaKahalu’u Kūāhewa is a community-based organization located in the ahupuaʻa of Kahalu’u ma uka. Located in one of Konaʻs largest intact traditional agricultural field systems preserved within a 354-acre area owned by Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools, the hui has documented 3,500 archaeological features, 98.7% of which are considered traditional agricultural features. Removal of invasive species, revitalizing and…