Give Big Hawai‘i: Your Support Matters!
Every donation counts—even the smallest ones can help our Islands’ nonprofits make a difference for the better.
Last year, 941 individual donors raised a total of $158,280 for 112 local organizations through Give Big Hawai‘i. The donations, which came through HONOLULU’s online platform, had a significant impact on the services and programs our community’s nonprofits provide.
And they want you to know that every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Here’s how some of the benefiting organizations used last year’s funds.
Photo: Courtesy of Kuleana Coral Restoration
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
Founded in 2007 by a group of concerned Maui residents, the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council helps protect the island’s marine resources. The community-based nonprofit works from mauka to makai, collaborating with larger organizations to address threats to the ocean and its reefs. Last year, its Give Big donations were directed to a community-based coral restoration area, to retrieve damaged corals and replant them on the same reef. The funds also supported the group’s water quality monitoring program and mobile labs, allowing staff to run tests at the beach.
Photo: Courtesy of Responsive Caregivers of Hawai‘i
Responsive Caregivers of Hawai‘i
For the past 50 years, Responsive Caregivers of Hawai‘i has organized engaging activities for adults with developmental disabilities, boosting their quality of life. With last year’s Give Big donations, the nonprofit purchased supplies for learning activities focused on cooking, technology, arts and crafts, physical exercise, music and dance. The donations also helped fund hula lessons and a showcase.
Photo: Courtesy of Domestic Violence Action Center
Domestic Violence Action Center
Since 1990, the Domestic Violence Action Center has been stepping up to combat domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Along with working toward policy reform and providing community education, the nonprofit offers survivors and their children legal representation, housing and emotional support. DVAC used last year’s Give Big donations to facilitate support groups, providing attendees with snacks, babysitting services and care packages. The donations also helped fund its confidential helpline, which survivors can call to ask questions or get help.
domesticviolenceactioncenter.org
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Islands Ministries
Hawaiian Islands Ministries
For 40 years, Hawaiian Islands Ministries has connected people of faith in inspiring ways. The organization has built bridges among churches of all denominations and united congregations. HIM used last year’s Give Big donations to make its events more accessible to youths through subsidized fees and free lunches. Additionally, some donations were used for scholarships and child care for participants of the nonprofit’s mental health workshop.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pantry
The Pantry by Feeding Hawai‘i Together
The Pantry, which provides Hawai‘i with its only online community food distribution system, has been fighting food insecurity for more than 20 years. The nonprofit offers members a “grocery store-style” experience, letting them choose what they need and when. Last year’s Give Big donations went directly into The Pantry’s food distribution program, which serves 5,000 families a month. The donations also helped pay for furniture, freezers and electric bills.
Annabelle Ink was HONOLULU Magazine’s Society of Professional Journalists intern for the summer of 2025. She majors in English at Pomona College.
