2 Year Anniversary: Maui Resilience Learning Series
Our Working Groups
Feedback Loops & Impact
Case Study In Impact
Testimonials
Funder Hui Community Offerings
Our Evolving Story
Looking Forward
Funder Hui Plans For 2026
Aloha Funder Hui ‘Ohana,
In Hawaiʻi, we know that when the winds shift and storms roll in, it is not the strength of a single tree that keeps the forest standing — it is the way the roots are woven together. This past year has reminded us again and again that resilience is rooted in relationships.
When fires, floods, or funding cuts strike, none of us can carry the weight alone. But together, through Funder Hui, we have shown what is possible when funders listen, share openly, and act in concert. Because of you, communities received faster support, grassroots leaders were lifted up, and we navigated uncertainty with courage instead of fear.
This is the power of us.
Funder Hui began as a simple idea: that collaboration could be our greatest tool in times of crisis. Today, it has grown into a trusted space where funders can lean on one another, build authentic relationships, and move resources where they are most needed. And we are just getting started.
As we look to the future, we know the challenges facing Hawaiʻi will only grow more complex. But so too will our capacity to meet them — if we continue to deepen our roots together. That’s why we are expanding our membership, strengthening our networks across islands, and creating new opportunities for connection and action.
Mahalo for standing with us, for showing up for one another, and for believing in the power of collaboration. The future of Funder Hui is bright because of you — and together, we will continue to grow resilience for Hawaiʻi, now and for generations to come.
With deep gratitude, Ashley Lukens, PhD
Co-Founder and Consulting Director, Funder Hui Executive Director, Frost Family Foundation
A message from an Advisory Board Member
As the former President and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO), I spent years advocating for, and supporting, Hawaiʻi’s nonprofit sector. One thing became crystal clear to me in that role: nonprofits cannot thrive without strong, coordinated support from funders. That conviction is what led me to co-found Funder Hui and continue serving as an Advisory board member today.
Now, in my work leading the Maui Funders Collaborative, I see even more clearly how essential it is for funders to work together with trust, transparency, and shared purpose. Funder Hui embodies that approach—creating a space where collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
The nonprofit sector depends on philanthropy that is informed, connected, and aligned. Funder Hui makes that possible, and it’s why I continue to invest my time and energy in this network. I’ve seen firsthand that when funders come together, our nonprofit partners are stronger, more resilient, and better able to serve our communities.
Lisa Maruyama
Consultant and Facilitator, Maui Funders
Collaborative (Principal, LTM Consulting)
Co-Founder, Funder Hui
Philanthropic Associations play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and amplifying the voices of local initiatives. As trust-based philanthropy has taken the sector by storm, even the idea of “serving” philanthropy has fallen out of fashion. At Funder Hui, we think of ourselves as many things: Philanthropy serving, philanthropy mobilizing, philanthropy connecting... Whatever we are and whatever we’re called in the zeitgeist, what brings us together is a shared commitment from our members and participants to protect all that we love about Hawaiʻi by forging deep relationships with each other and the world.
Funder Hui’s participation in the national network of PSO’s is about bridging local work into larger national conversations, ensuring that the unique challenges and successes of Hawaiʻi’s communities are recognized and addressed on a broader scale. By connecting our members with national trends and best practices, we empower local efforts to influence systemic change and inspire innovative solutions that resonate throughout the philanthropic landscape.
We are a member of United Philanthropy Forum and benchmark our growth and evolution against other regional PSO’s in the network
United Philanthropy Forum Members
Since our 2020 launch, Funder Hui continues to develop our organizational structure, processes, and culture.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
An Advisory Board
of experienced philanthropic leaders in Hawaiʻi who meet in committees and as a larger group to advise on the direction and programming of the organization:
Consuelo
Our Team And Organizational Growth
Running our day-to-day operations at Funder Hui is our team of five wahine: Our Co-Founder & Director Ashley Lukens, our Director of Working Groups Doorae Shin, our new Membership Manager Sherrie Totoki, our new Program Assistant Dominique “Nikki” Cordell, and our Accounting Lead, Alexandra Kazlausky. Our diverse and talented team strengthens our work and nurtures the growth of our collective movement.
As we look ahead, our strategic planning efforts are focused on growing Funder Hui thoughtfully and sustainably—refining our systems, supporting our members, and expanding opportunities for connection and collaboration both in-person and online.
CONNECT WITH US!
We have grown our public newsletter from 1,374 subscribers last year to 1,782 this year with an open rate of about 60% per campaign, well above the national average for nonprofits. Additionally, we have a listserv for funders to share opportunities, resources, and ask questions to each other. This listserv now has 72 subscribers, and it allows funders to communicate with one another directly.
We continue to develop content and resources for funderhui.org including the popular recordings of our Federal Funding Cuts Emergency Briefing calls and all other virtual event recordings.
We are also posting timely updates and invites to our newly launched LinkedIn.
Our events are a key pillar of Funder Hui’s work, bringing Hawaiʻi’s philanthropic community together to learn, collaborate, and respond to emerging needs.
EVENTS 2025 JAN FEB
We’re also in the midst of funder-only gatherings and content designed to strengthen relationships, accelerate collective action, and celebrate the spirit of aloha that grounds all we do.
MARCH
JANUARY 22
The Value of Unrestricted
Funding for Capacity Building
Carolyn Lee, Cheri Souza
Keahi Makaimoku
Moderated by Melissa Miyashiro
FEBRUARY 06
Hawaiʻi Island Funders Lunch
Amanda Shaw
MARCH 11
Ahupuaʻa: kNEW Food System Management
Uncle Walter Ritte, Noa Lincoln
Jane Au
MAY
MAY 16
Food Systems Funders Lunch - Maui
Amanda Shaw
MAY 28
HUA Webinar: Disaster Preparedness & Resilience in Hawaiʻi
Janice Ikeda, Keoni Lee, Cari Cullen
JUNE 24
Public Investment in our Economic Future: A Breakfast & Coffee Panel Discussion
Dane Wicker, Donovan Dela Cruz
Jennifer Sabas, Linda Ichiyama
AUGUST 13
Food Systems Funders Lunch - Maui
Amanda Shaw
JUNE AUGUST SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 3
AI: Superpower Your Grantwriting Program
Evan Reppun Beachy, Jennifer Cornish Creed
SEPTEMBER 10
Resistance to Militarism in the Pacific Lynette Cruz, James Sparky Rodrigues
Ramsay Mahealani Taum, Kalani Souza Kainoa Azuma
SEPTEMBER 22
Food Systems Funder Lunch - Hawaiʻi Island
Amanda Shaw
OCTOBER 8
Preserving Land & Growing Food For Hawaiʻi
Troy Keolanui, Leslie Uptain,`Olu Campbell
RESPONDING TOGETHER IN CRISIS
When news of sweeping federal funding cuts reached Hawaiʻi, Funder Hui moved quickly to convene emergency briefings with our network of funders, nonprofits, and government partners. Within days, more than a hundred participants gathered across islands to share information, assess impacts, and coordinate rapid response strategies.
This is what Funder Hui does best — we show up in moments of uncertainty and bring people together. Crisis response is not an exception to our work; it is the clearest expression of who we are. By convening these briefings, we transformed fear and confusion into collaboration and clarity. Funders gained real-time insight into the scale of the crisis, while nonprofit leaders found solidarity and support in a community that understands their urgency.
The story of these calls is the story of the Power of Us — how collective action and trust-based relationships can stabilize entire sectors in moments of instability.
The voices we heard on those calls — from youth-serving organizations to environmental advocates — reflect the shared conviction that Hawaiʻi’s resilience depends on our willingness to respond together.
URGENT BRIEFINGS
Elevating Lines of Sight, Sharing Local Experiences of Impact, and Exploring Collective Action Toward Possible Solutions.
Federal Funding Cuts
Emergency Briefing Series: Food Systems.
Immigration Food Systems
FEBRUARY 7
FEBRUARY 14
FEBRUARY 21
FEBRUARY 28
MARCH 7
MARCH 21
MARCH 14
MARCH 28
Federal Funding Cuts
Emergency Briefing Series
Federal Funding Cuts
Emergency Briefing Series: Local Impacts and Response.
Economic Impact Report Federal Employment Reductions
TOTAL CALLS
Legislation Updates Local Actions To Protect Nonprofits
TOTAL ATTENDEES 69 TOTAL SPEAKERS
APRIL 4 MAY 23
APRIL 25
30
Rapid Response Systems In Immigration
Update From Washington DC National Actions And Responses
6
Briefing On Women’s Healthcare 16
Talk story with Representative Jill Tokuda
Emergency Briefing: Potential Impacts of A Federal Government Shutdown on Hawaiʻi’s Nonprofit and Philanthropic Community
17
Maui Hub has always been an organization born of urgency and resilience. We were created in April 2020 to meet the crisis of COVID shutdowns, and since then we’ve stepped up again in response to the recent fires.
When federal funding freezes abruptly halted support for three of our fire-relief staff, our operations were at immediate risk. These employees are essential to keeping food moving across the island, yet without funding, we were faced with the impossible choice of either absorbing their payroll costs or reducing critical services.
This is where Funder Hui’s support was transformational. Their emergency assistance helped us bridge the gap, allowing us to keep our warehouse staff and case manager employed. Without that timely intervention, Maui Hub would have had to cut services.
Thanks to Funder Hui, Maui Hub has been able to stay steady, continuing to serve the community and our 75 fire-impacted ʻohana. In addition, we have kept nearly $2.3 million flowing back into the hands of Maui’s farmers, ranchers, and food producers since opening in 2020. Your support didn’t just keep us open; it kept families fed and our local food economy alive in one of Maui’s most vulnerable times.
We are deeply grateful for Funder Hui’s partnership and for their belief in building long-term resilience for Hawai‘i communities.
”
Brandi Sagon, General Manager, Maui Hub
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MAUI RESILIENCE LEARNING SERIES
OUR WORKING GROUPS
Our working groups provide a key pillar for member participation within Funder Hui and act as a crucial platform of collaboration, learning, and relationship building. These working groups are convened by Funder Hui members, providing a platform for impact by leading foundations. Working groups also provide a place for community groups, nonprofits, and industry experts to gather together around shared priority areas.
“We’re excited to convene the Community Health Working Group to learn and collaborate with organizations that champion this work. We hope this new working group leads to healthier generations for the Hawaiian islands.”
Vivian Pham, Community Health Operations Lead, Hawaiʻi Region, Kaiser Permanente
The Food Systems Funders Working Group hosts Zoom meetings and site visits, often with a guest speaker in the field of agriculture or food systems, along with those who can speak on government funding and other relevant issues. The activities of this working group have led to increased collaboration, learning, and funding in the area of food systems in Hawaiʻi.
# of members: 59
FOOD SYSTEM FUNDERS
The Capacity Building Working Group was newly relaunched this year after a hiatus. The group meets bimonthly on Zoom to discuss key priorities and solutions when it comes to capacity building for the nonprofit sector.
# of members: 24
CAPACITY BUILDING
The Community Health Working Group launched in September 2025 and meets quarterly to build relationships and create opportunities for collaboration and co-learning among funders in the space. Community health focuses on improving the well-being of people in specific geographic areas. It addresses health issues through prevention, education, policy, and access to care while considering social and environmental factors.
# of members: 20
The Housing Working Group meets in hybrid settings on a bimonthly basis to explore solutions around housing access and affordability in Hawaiʻi. Members learn from guest speakers about current projects and issues around housing and what funders can do to tackle this critical issue in Hawaiʻi.
# of members: 39
HOUSING
The Arts & Culture Working Group kicked off in November 2025 and meets quarterly. This working group recognizes arts & culture as essential to Hawai‘i and aims to identify opportunities and challenges and support collaboration and relationship building among funders in this space.
# of members: 44
ARTS & CULTURE
We plan to resume activities of The Education Working Group in 2026. Speakers range from school representatives, education funders, innovative education voices, and more. This working group keeps Hawaiʻi funders and those in the education sector connected and plugged in.
# of members: 50
EDUCATION
FEEDBACK LOOPS & IMPACT
Strengthening connections across Hawaiʻi’s philanthropic ecosystem
Funder Hui continues to fulfill a unique and essential role in Hawaiʻi’s social impact landscape, bringing together funders, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate, learn, and respond to complex challenges.
Several consistent themes emerged this year when we spoke with our members:
BRIDGING SILOES AND BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS
Funder Hui brings together community members who wouldn’t normally share space—meeting individuals where they are and elevating voices that lack a platform. This opens doors into funder networks, builds connections with diverse communities and cross-sector collaborators, and strengthens local leadership by amplifying voices and fostering inclusive engagement.
“When funders come together to take collective action, nonprofits gain the strength and stability needed to thrive and in turn, our communities are better cared for.”
Alex Kazlausky Chief Financial Officer, MA‘O Organic Farms
“Funder Hui provides backbone support and connections to a great network … we wouldn’t have the capacity to lead a working group, yet Funder Hui helps make it possible.”
Elise von Dohlen Arts and Culture Program Director, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
RESPONSIVE TO CRISES AND REAL-TIME NEEDS
When events like the Maui wildfires or sudden federal funding cuts occur, Funder Hui acts swiftly convening stakeholders, gathering key insights, and directing accurate, timely information to both funders and frontline organizations.
“In moments of crisis, including the wildfires on Maui, the strength of our philanthropic community is measured by how quickly and compassionately we come together. Funder Hui has been a powerful connector, enabling funders to align resources and respond with urgency and care. The trust, shared data, and collaboration has directly supported how Kaiser Permanente mobilizes philanthropic resources for Hawai‘i’s communities when it matters most.”
Lisa Kimura Community Health Lead, Hawai‘i Region, Kaiser Permanente
“Like many nonprofits, Kupu faced deep cuts in federal funding that threatened the continuation of our core programs, including funding that supported hundreds of Kupu positions across Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Thanks to the Funder Hui network, we were able to quickly secure bridge funding that helped us to continue service to our communities with minimal interruption. For me, the most important part was knowing that many Ha wai‘i youth could continue to grow, learn, and serve hundreds of other ‘āina-based orga nizations. Together, we kept this pillar of our organization strong, even in the midst of so much uncertainty. I am truly grateful for the incredible generosity of the Funder Hui and their dedication to so many nonprofits whose work is more important now than ever before.”
John Leong
Co-Founder & CEO, Kupu
CATALYZING NEW INITIATIVES AND CO-CREATIVE FUNDING MODELS
Through Funder Hui’s network-building and relationship-fostering, a statewide food systems policy process was established—a direct result of the connections and collaborative frameworks Funder Hui helped create. These same cross-sector partnerships also catalyzed new philanthropic attention and investment in areas like immigration, where funders and community organizations now work together to advance systems change.
“Thank you for drawing philanthropic attention to immigration. There has now been considerable investment and a number of our member organizations, ourselves, and Funder Hui are a huge part in making sure that happens. Thank you so much for all of your support.”
Liza Gill Executive Director Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights
“If one part of the community isn’t healthy, none of us are healthy... Funder Hui has been a valuable resource in mobilizing people together for conversations directly after a big event. They have been a bridge to connecting experts in the field to funders and nonprofits to help break down some of the communication silos that naturally happen - especially in a time of crisis. This has helped to identify resources and get it to communities where they need it most.”
Tiffany Huynh Senior Director of External Affairs, Elemental Impact
The Hawaiʻi Statewide Food System Coordination initiative builds on years of collaborative work to strengthen local agriculture, reduce reliance on imports, and create a more resilient and equitable food system.
In 2022, several members of the Food Systems Funders and Farmers Working Group came together to help resource this important effort in partnership with Governor Josh Green. In 2023-2024, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi (formerly Oʻahu Resource Conservation and Development Council) co-developed an initiative focused on supporting statewide action on longstanding food systems challenges in order to deepen impact and help reach shared goals and mandates in this area.
Through an MOU with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB), this public–private partnership funds a Local Food Project Specialist team to engage stakeholders, engage with the federal funding landscape, address infrastructure barriers, expand institutional procurement of local food, and identify and advance key food system policies. In its first year, the team helped HDAB release its “Report of the Sustainable Food Systems Working Group In Response To SR 111, SD1, 2024 Legislature” which set the foundation for statewide food systems coordination.
The team also supported passage of Act 239 to establish a formal governance framework for statewide food systems coordination, resulting in the establishment of a formal interagency food systems working group, co-chaired by HDAB and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), with administrative support from the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). Other key year one highlights include:
CASE STUDY IN IMPACT
The release of two federal funding reports (Report 1 and Report 2) tracking the impact of federal funding cuts and changes to Hawaiʻi’s food and agriculture system.
The establishment of a Land, Water, and Infrastructure Action Group to gather baseline data on farmer experiences with land, water and infrastructure access.
Support for policy development through a series of stakeholder convenings on 2026 legislative priorities. Food Systems Data –Catalogued and identified data efforts to define pathways for shared collaboration and tracking of progress.
Community Engagement – monthly meetings to share information throughout the network and inform stakeholders about developments.
Together, these efforts support actionable data, stronger partnerships, and enhanced strategies to grow Hawaiʻi’s local agricultural economy and address key challenges such as food insecurity.
Amanda Shaw,
Director of Food Systems/ Statewide Food Systems Coordinator, Department of Agriculture
As a longtime resident of Hawaiʻi, I often felt like I was funding in a silo, supporting communities and organizations that mattered to me without knowing who else was invested. That changed when I connected with Funder Hui during the Maui response calls after the devastating fires.Those meetings gave me clear, timely information that enabled me to leverage funds far beyond Hawaiʻi’s shores and channel them into Lahaina, where they were most needed by the community.
Since then, I’ve joined numerous Funder Hui meetings and now participate in the Food Systems Working Group with efforts to build a statewide network of funders supporting this critical need. The power of connection, learning from others, recognizing needs, aligning strategies and pooling our strengths, has been deeply motivating. Funder Hui has assisted me by mindfully responding to the crisis and investing in longterm change alongside other funders who care about a flourishing Hawaiʻi.
Together we are stronger, smarter, and more effective than we could ever be. Collaboration enables us to rise up beyond our own potential and this organization facilitates the perfect platform for innovation together. This is why I choose to invest in Funder Hui.
Eve-Lynne Murray, WHH Foundation
I first joined Funder Hui while serving as Senior Vice President and Director of Community Advancement at American Savings Bank. In that role, I was focused on expanding access to affordable housing, engaging teammates across five islands in community-focused efforts, and cultivating strong partnerships with nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. The Funder Hui network provided me with thought partners and co-funders who helped inform my strategies and sharpen my impact. It created a space where I could learn what others were doing, align approaches, and deepen my own relationships across Hawai‘i’s philanthropic sector.
Now, as I transition into the role of CEO at Aloha United Way, that foundation is more important than ever. AUW’s mission is to improve lives through community-driven solutions—whether by reducing financial insecurity among ALICE households, strengthening the AUW 211 Helpline, or supporting more than 250 nonprofit partner agencies that depend on AUW’s resources. I know that none of these goals can be achieved in isolation. Funder Hui connects me to a network of peers who are also committed to systems-level change, ensuring that I bring the best of our collective wisdom into AUW’s next chapter.
In both positions, Funder Hui has been invaluable—broadening my perspective, connecting me with fellow funders across the islands, and motivating me to lead with community at the center. It has reinforced my belief that when we invest in relationships and align our efforts, we can drive meaningful change for Hawai‘i’s families and communities.
Michelle Bartell CEO,
Aloha United Way (formerly Senior Vice President and Director of Community Advancement at American Savings Bank)
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF OUR FUNDER HUI COMMUNITY
Our Approach
Admittedly, Funder Hui has used many terms to describe our community! Members, supporters, and participants are often used interchangeably to describe our network participants. Funder Hui is a unique PSO in that we do not have a paywall to participate. While we encourage sustaining donations and membership dues, we do not require them as a prerequisite to engage in our programming and events. Equity necessitates the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility.
Donations versus Dues
Over the past 4 years we’ve been asking for donations and dues. Most PSO’s operate on a dues model. We offer a similar dues framework for participants who would like to formally join the Funder Hui community with an annual contribution. These “dues” help cover the cost of our programming which include our small part time staff, event costs, and our network’s IT infrastructure. Our suggested dues are below:
When calculating your contribution we ask that you consider either your annual grant-making portfolio and/or your staff size. As of 2025, this is an honor-system.
Organizations that offer larger donations to Funder Hui do so because they see our mission, to build the community and connection required for impact, as intertwined with or central to their grantmaking priorities.
TO CREATE OUR VISION, WE OFFER OUR COMMUNITY THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND SERVICES:
From pau-hanas to panel discussions and speaker events, we host dozens of in-person and virtual events in Hawaiʻi that offer intentional spaces for networking, learning, and fostering innovation in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. As co-created spaces, we encourage our members and participants to come to us with ideas and requests for events so that we can remain nimble and creative in the programming we offer to our community.
Our working groups are major pillars of Funder Hui. Working groups meet regularly, both virtually and in-person, allowing funders in those interest areas to connect, learn from expert speakers, host site visits, and collaborate to solve problems and address needs.
Our regular newsletters feature our events, relevant partner materials, and opportunities to help guide FH programming. You can subscribe here.
We continuously add new content and resources to our website funderhui.org. All videos of our online events can be found on our website.
Our listserv facilitates a space for those in our network to connect with one another directly. Whether you want to share resources, ask questions, or distribute opportunities, our listserv is a way for In-person and
OUR EVOLVING STORY
I’ve been wowed by Funder Hui and Hawaiʻi’s philanthropic community. I was asked to come there to help their staff and advisory board learn from how similar organizations in the philanthropy field do their work, but I left thinking about everything those organizations can learn from Funder Hui. The way you’ve helped Hawaiʻi philanthropy respond to crisis, the values-centered community you’re building, your ability to mobilize funders to action—all are models for peer organizations on the mainland. You’re already one of the dynamos of philanthropy’s infrastructure.
Mark Sedway, Senior Advisor, The Giving Practice
On September 24, Funder Hui’s Advisory Board came together for a day-long session to explore our future strategy. We focused on three questions. Here’s a quick snapshot of what surfaced.
How are we evolving?
What are the big strategic questions we need to grapple with?
We’re building trust, creating spaces where people learn and act together, keeping our “startup energy” while becoming more strategic and sustainable, shifting from “pop-up alliances” toward alignment around shared priorities for Hawai‘i, moving from “doing together to “becoming together,” building an ecosystem rooted in shared meaning, mutual care and commitment to place.
The session is part of a longer discovery and design process to address challenges and opportunities on Funder Hui’s path ahead. The way Funder Hui helped Hawai‘i philanthropy respond to crisis, the values-centered community they are building, and their ability to mobilize funders to action–all are models for peer organizations on the continent. Funder Hui is already one of the dynamos of philanthropy’s infrastructure.
•What does Hawai‘i need from us?
•How do we move from sharing to shaping?
•Are we building a strcuture or tending to a living system?
•If we get bigger or more formal, do we lose what makes us Funder Hui?
•Are we just a table or are we a voice?
What values will we live in our work?
The group examined values that will continue to guide us and considered what might stand in the way of our fully living them. In particular, we discussed what it will take to live cultural integrity and humility, courage and risk-taking, conviction and camaraderie, equity and decolonization, and trust and relationship building.
LOOKING FORWARD
As Funder Hui moves into 2026, we are building on the momentum of connection, trust, and shared purpose cultivated over the past year. Our vision is a truly statewide philanthropic network—one that bridges islands and sectors, amplifies local leadership, and invests in lasting systems of care.
By deepening collaboration, strengthening data-driven infrastructure, and uplifting community voices, we aim to transform how philanthropy shows up for Hawaiʻitogether, with intention and aloha.
WE HOPE TO CONTINUE BUILDING:
A robust statewide funding network that bridges geographic divides among funders.
A more collaborative and coordinated donor community, leading to stronger collective impact.
Bridging islands and breaking silos:
Many funders work island-by-island. We see the state as a connected whole, enabling co-investment, learning transfer, and better alignment.
A sustainable datadriven infrastructure that allows Funder Hui to scale relationship-based philanthropy with efficiency and care.
PILALI: FUNDER HUI PODCAST FUNDER HUI PLANS FOR 2026
Launched in 2025, Pilali brings stories of resilience, innovation, and collective leadership in Hawaiʻi to a broader philanthropic audience. Drawing on the lessons of kūpuna and the practices of reciprocity, the podcast uplifts community voices and shares narratives that inspire funders to invest with trust, patience, and aloha.
In partnership with Vibrant Hawaiʻi and Hoʻiwai Fund, Funder Hui is piloting a statewide network of community-led disaster funds, powered by JustFund Wallet technology. These funds enable rapid, localized, and transparent responses to crises such as wildfires, floods, and other emergencies—ensuring that resources flow directly to grassroots leaders and organizations best positioned to respond.
Our working groups create peer learning and action spaces for funders to dive deep into shared areas of interest. In 2026, we will start the process of organizing three new working groups for Climate, Oceans, and Native Hawaiian Funders. This process involves scanning the landscape for interested funders, identifying working group leads, and proposing content for initial gatherings.
As we envision the path ahead, Funder Hui remains guided by the belief that Hawaiʻi’s greatest strength lies in its interconnectedness between people, islands, and purpose. The work of building trust, aligning resources, and centering community wisdom is ongoing, and we step into 2026 with deep gratitude and renewed commitment. Together with our partners, we will continue to cultivate a philanthropic ecosystem rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and aloha, one that not only responds to today’s needs but nurtures the foundations of a thriving, resilient Hawaiʻi for generations to come.
