ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi has recently celebrated a significant boost to its innovative initiatives with a $10,000 grant from the Atherton Family Foundation, one of the most substantial private grantmaking resources in Hawaiʻi.

This funding marks a pivotal step for our organization’s Philanthropono program, which focuses on revolutionizing fund development practices through the rich tapestry of indigenous Hawaiian values and traditions.

FOSTERING PONO IN PHILANTHROPY

The concept of pono, which means righteous, excellence and equitable, is central to the Philanthropono program. By integrating these indigenous values into professional fundraising, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi aims to cultivate a landscape where cultural and ethical practices are paramount. The program's goal is to bring about a profound shift in how funds are gathered and distributed, ensuring they resonate deeply with the community's principles and contribute positively to societal wellbeing.

CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP

At the heart of the Philanthropono program is the development of the Native Fundraising Certification Program, in collaboration with Cornell University. This groundbreaking initiative is not just about teaching fundraising; it’s about creating a framework that’s imbued with Hawaiian cultural knowledge, aiming to elevate Native Hawaiians to the forefront of philanthropic leadership. The curriculum is designed to empower participants by intertwining traditional Hawaiian approaches with modern fundraising techniques, thereby fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to handle the unique challenges and opportunities in philanthropy within Hawaiʻi.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The program is set against a one-year timeline, within which ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi has set ambitious objectives:

1. Launch an Indigenous Professional Fundraising Certificate Program with Cornell University.

2. Graduate nine Native Hawaiians from this new certificate program.

3. Advance the careers of two participants to achieve Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) status.

These steps are not just milestones but are foundational to building a robust network of indigenous professionals in fundraising, which will further be supported through collaborations with institutions like Boston University and Certified Fund Raising Executive International.

A TESTAMENT TO SHARED VISIONS

The support from the Atherton Family Foundation is a testament to the shared vision of empowering indigenous voices in philanthropy. The founder of ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, Olani Lilly, highlighted the importance of this grant, stating it will redefine the landscape of fundraising to be more equitable, accessible, and impactful. The funding is not merely financial; it’s a nod of confidence in the value of integrating indigenous wisdom with philanthropic practices, ensuring that the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders is poised to make significant impacts in their communities and beyond.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the Philanthropono program, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi is not just dreaming of a better future; we are actively constructing it. This initiative promises to be a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow, showcasing how integrating cultural values into professional practices can lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes. As ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi moves forward with our 2025 agenda and beyond, the focus will remain on expanding the Indigenous Professional Fundraiser Network, leading to an accredited, culturally resonant workforce in philanthropy.

Through dedication and visionary leadership, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi is set to transform the philanthropic field, making it a true reflection of the values that are cherished by the Native Hawaiian community.