Recent grants to Hawaii nonprofits
> PBS Hawaii has received $1.2 million in donations to launch the country's first statewide student news network. The Hiki No project is expected to deliver community-based news and information to the entire state through PBS Hawaii's television broadcasts and website. The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation has donated $225,000 to the program, while TW Telecom Honolulu has given $119,000. Donations from individuals topped $70,000. The first newscast is due to air in February. PBS Hawaii says it initially expects to carry one newscast a week, but it will eventually broadcast six a week.
> The YMCA of Honolulu recently announced corporate and foundation contributions for renovation of the Windward YMCA in Kailua: Ameron Hawaii ($25,000), Castle Medical Center ($25,000), First Hawaiian Bank Foundation ($25,000), Alexander & Baldwin Foundation ($10,000), and HEI Charitable Foundation ($10,000).The YMCA is targeted to complete a $1,200,000 capital campaign for facility renovations of the Windward YMCA, through the attainment of a $600,000 match granted by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. The renovation project includes the building of a permanent “canopy” for the open-air courtyard of the facility, ADA enhancements and additional equipment and furnishings. The construction of the “canopy” will allow the YMCA to provide an additional 1,400 square feet of dry, ventilated program space for the youth and families utilizing the Windward Y. Construction is scheduled to begin this winter and be completed by summer, 2011.
> Hawaii People’s Fund supports grassroots groups working for progressive social change throughout the islands. Fall grantees include: AFSC-Hawaii; Brave Heart Program on Oahu; Equality Hawaii Foundation; Hawaii Homegrown Food Network on Hawaii Island; Maui Huliau Foundation; Peace Warriors on Oahu; PHOCUSED; Sust-Aina-ble Molokai; and World Can’t Wait – Hawaii on Oahu. Nonprofit community-based groups with budgets of $250,000 or less can apply for funding. The next cycle’s proposals are due March 1. See www.HawaiiPeoplesFund.org in January for guidelines.
> American Savings Bank jump started Hawaii Women¹s Fund annual appeal drive with a $10,000 one-to-one match. The drive began Nov. 19 and ends Dec. 31. Despite today’s economic pressures, the Women’s Fund made grants of more than $30,000 to programs across the state that help the most vulnerable women and girls realize their potential, addressing issues such as financial security, safety, self-esteem, adolescent pregnancy, physical and mental health, substance abuse, prostitution, incarceration, immigration status, sexual orientation, inadequate childcare and sports inequalities. For information on how to apply for grants or join Women¹s Fund of Hawaii in its community efforts, please call 954-9653 or email ed@womensfundhawaii.org.
> The Hawaii Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division will receive $11.4 million in federal funds over four years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. The funds will go to the Access to Recovery Project known as ATR Ohana, a project that provides vouchers to clients battling drug and alcohol problems so they can pay for treatment and recovery services.
> The Verizon Foundation, in a new partnership between the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence will train Hawaii domestic violence prevention advocates and law enforcement personnel on how the latest wireless technology can help keep abuse survivors safe. The seminars are funded through a $10,000 grant from Verizon.
> The Hawaii Council for the Humanities awarded 13 grants totaling $50,000 for development and production of statewide public humanities projects. The recipients include: Biographical Research Center, Mai Poina, $10,000; All the World's a Stage, $5,000; Surfing the Nations, $5,000; Kona Historical Society, $5,000; and the Friends of Iolani Palace, $4,000.
> The Kauai County Anti-Drug Office awarded three agencies first-round contracts for underage-drinking prevention programs. Hale Kipa received $85,000; Hale Opio, nearly $80,000; and Hina Mauka, more than $97,000. The agencies will implement evidence-based programs at school- and community-based sites with prevention of underage drinking as their focus. Funding for the programs is provided through a grant the county received from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration through the state Department of Health's Alcohol Drug Abuse Division. Proposals are now being accepted for the second round of contracts for underage-drinking prevention programs.
> Title Guaranty of Hawaii employees raised $25,000 in pledges to support four United Way organizations: Aloha United Way, Hawaii Island United Way, Kauai United Way and Maui United Way.
> Hawaiian Humane Society received a $5,000 grant from the Rev. Takie Okumura Family Fund. The grant will be used to create a new humane education and values category in Olelo's Youth XChange Video competition program.
