Hawai‘i Gives Back: Giving is a Click Away with Give Big Hawai‘i
HONOLULU Magazine makes it simple to give to dozens of nonprofits through one easy-to-use website.
There are thousands of nonprofits working to make life in Hawai‘i better for everyone—from our smallest keiki to our most senior kūpuna. All of these organizations need our help and few have the time or resources to ask for it. HONOLULU Magazine knows every one of us can make a difference. In 2019, HONOLULU launched Give Big Hawai‘i, a single website that lets people donate to and learn about nonprofits across the state. Last year, amid the pandemic, users gave nearly $100,000 total for 73 local organizations.
Here is how some of those dollars went to work.
Photo: Courtesy of Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Hawai‘i Island
The power of music can calm, heal and inspire. The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society does all three as part of its mission to celebrate and promote the timeless beauty of classical music and the rich cultural traditions of Hawai‘i through live performances for audiences of all ages. As an investment in our future, the society also showcases young talented local musicians.
In 2020, the orchestra had to cancel its concerts and in-school music programs. But donations from Give Big Hawai‘i helped fund several free, small ensemble concerts in nursing homes, retirement homes and shopping centers so musicians could continue sharing fine classical music with people in Hawai‘i County.
Photo: Courtesy of HIFF
Hawai‘i International Film Festival
If you’ve never heard of Ciara Lacy, Alika Maikau or Bradley Tangonan, you likely will someday. They are among the filmmakers who have been highlighted on a global stage by the Hawai‘i International Film Festival.
For more than 40 years, HIFF has brought the best international cinema and top stars to Hawai‘i’s audiences while supporting, cultivating, and showcasing local Hawai‘i and Pacific island films and filmmakers. Its efforts include the Made in Hawai‘i film competition, showing HIFF short films on Hawaiian Airlines flights, education initiatives, industry panels and the annual Pacific-focused Virtual Reality and New Media exhibit. Donations from the Give Big Hawai‘i campaign were vital in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic slashed revenues and the ability to host events. Contributions supported the festival and all educational and industry sessions that went online, reaching a record 165,000 participants in 46 states and 94 countries.
Photo: Courtesy of E.P.I.C.
E.P.I.C.
Effective Planning and Innovative Communication ‘Ohana Inc. is devoted to strengthening local families and enhancing the welfare of our keiki. One of its key programs, HI H.O.P.E.S., which stands for Hawai‘i Helping Our People Envision Success, focuses on improving the state’s foster care system.
The mission of HI H.O.P.E.S. can best be told through the stories of its Youth Leadership Board, which comprises foster youth 14 to 26. Keola was a member for six years after being in and out of foster care. He advocated for several bills that became law; wrote a guide for protecting the rights of children in foster care; served as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C.; and raised enough money for school, through a HI H.O.P.E.S. fund-matching initiative, so he could earn a master’s in social work. He now is a social worker with the state’s Child Welfare Services. Give Big Hawai‘i funds helped keep all these programs running in 2020.
This year’s campaign kicks off on Nov. 22, 2021. givebighawaii.com
