TOPX Sprint
Bridging Gaps:
Data Solutions for Data Equity
At Changemakers Hawai‘i, our passion for, and commitment to, creating economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian communities is as deep as our respect for cultural tradition. We are blending the wisdom of our ancestors with innovative, forward-thinking solutions to tackle modern challenges.
Most recently, our participation with the U.S. Census Bureau TOPx Sprint has given us powerful new tools to address longstanding barriers to funding and resources.
Here is how we are driving change for Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals—and why it matters.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO FEDERAL FUNDING
For Native Hawaiians and other Indigenous communities across the U.S., securing federal funding is a steep uphill battle. The TOPx Sprint shed light on persistent issues that make this process unnecessarily difficult. Here’s the reality:
Data gaps and technical hurdles. Limited access to reliable data and tools leaves communities scrambling to piece together critical information.
Complex applications. The grant process is often daunting, requiring expertise and resources that many organizations do not have.
Missing context. Much of the available data does not reflect the unique experiences of those living outside their homelands.
It is a perfect storm of challenges, and for Native Hawaiian organizations, it mirrors the struggles faced by Indigenous communities everywhere. But these barriers are not insurmountable.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS ROOTED IN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
At Changemakers Hawai‘i, we are not just identifying the problems—we’re building solutions. Thanks to insights gained from our participation in the TOPx Sprint, we are creating tools and programs that prioritize cultural relevance while leveraging modern technology.
1. Community-Centered Data Resources
We are inspired by successful collaborations between Tribal stakeholders and the Census Bureau. Our goal? Tailored, user-friendly tools for Native Hawaiians, featuring curated datasets from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau’s Decennial Census and American Community Survey. These platforms will simplify grant applications and make data work for the community, not against it.
2. Culturally Grounded Training Programs
Economic empowerment starts with knowledge. Our training programs combine our Native Hawaiian values of resource-sharing and communal support with practical skills like grant writing and financial literacy. By blending traditional, ancestral practices with modern know-how, we are equipping communities to confidently navigate complex systems.
3. Building Bridges Through Collaboration
No one succeeds alone. That is why we are fostering partnerships with experts from organizations like Native Counts. From connecting communities with experienced grant writers to launching mentorship programs, we are creating networks of support that strengthen resilience and results.
A VISION FOR LASTING ECONOMIC EQUITY
This work is more than a project—it is a commitment to a better future for Native Hawaii and Indigenous people. We are creating pathways for Native Hawaiian communities to thrive economically, backed by tools and systems that honor their strengths and address their challenges.
Next steps? We are gearing up to launch pilot programs, expand our reach, and refine our approach through community feedback. This is a living process, one that grows and evolves with the people it serves.
Through these efforts, we are not just solving today’s problems. We are laying a foundation for generations to come, ensuring that Native Hawaiian communities are empowered, sustainable, and ready to seize opportunities.
JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY
This is more than a mission—it is a movement. We invite you to join us in transforming barriers into opportunities. Whether you want to learn more, collaborate, or share your ideas, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at olani@changemakershawaii.org to get involved.
Together, we are turning challenges into steppingstones toward a brighter future.
E mau ana ka hana o nā kūpuna
The work of our ancestors continues.