Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English wish to thank the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) for their efforts with the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund (HRF), which was created to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofits and health care providers who are working on the ground to address COVID-19 pandemic in Hawai‘i.
The Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at HCF was launched on March 18 and has thus far received more than $11.1 million in funds, including $3 million from the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation, $1 million from the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, and dozens of other gifts from businesses, foundations and online donors. In just eight weeks, more than $6.8 million has been granted to 48 nonprofit partners across the state who provide services to a wide range of target populations and geographies across Hawai‘i, including children, kūpuna, essential workers and those suffering from the economic ramifications of the coronavirus.
“The quick and pivotal work of Hawaii Community Foundation, the generosity of its donors, and the crtical services provided by nonprofit partners demonstrates what is possible when we work together and focus on serving the needs of Hawai‘i’s residents,” said Senate President Kouchi.
“Across the state, the Hawaii Community Foundation has provided hope for many people in Hawai‘i during one of our most difficult times,” said Majority Leader English. “We are incredibly grateful.”
HCF’s grant-making approach is prioritized through four phases, which has a specific focus on supporting Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable residents. Phase I and II grants have been distributed to organizations that can assist with rent and utilities, increase coronavirus testing and personal protection equipment, provide food for those who are newly unemployed, and offer childcare support for essential workers, among many other important needs for our society at this time. Phases III and IV focus on recovery and stabilization and rebuilding resilience in Hawai‘i.
HCF has been in recent news due to the multiple “Food for Hawai‘i‘s Ohana” food distributions on O‘ahu where more than 8,000 households per week receive food for their families. The events are run by the Hawaii Foodbank and the effort is a result of a public-private partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation and HCF.
Last week, HCF announced a program to provide relief to licensed home-based child care providers across the state, who are eligible for federal support, but have not been able to access it as of yet. The fund seeks to lessen the potential for permanent closure of child care programs, especially in areas where home-based care is the primary option for families. The programs are an important element in the state’s ability to get residents back to work and to stabilize the economy.
HCF has a unique role in disaster preparedness and response. The foundation collaborates with disaster relief organizations, community groups, and the private sector, for a coordinated effort and maximum community impact. From the flooding on the North Shore of Kaua‘i to volcano eruptions on Hawai‘i Island, HCF distributes grant funds quickly to community organizations that are meeting the needs of response efforts.
For more information about the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund and HCF’s work to support Hawai‘i’s residents during this unique time, visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/coronavirus