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In an inspiring move that underscores the power of philanthropy, three Hawaiian nonprofits have been selected to receive significant grants from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving program. This initiative is renowned for its global generosity, distributing financial aid to community-led organizations. Habilitat, Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike, and Malama ‘Aina Foundation are the fortunate recipients, each set to receive a transformative $2 million grant. Since its launch, Yield Giving has contributed an astonishing $17.3 billion to over 2,300 nonprofits, marking a significant impact across various sectors.
Established in 1971, Habilitat stands out as a beacon of hope, offering long-term addiction treatment and rehabilitation services. Its unique approach combines holistic methods with practical training, such as its annual Christmas tree sale, yard services, and a culinary program that benefits other nonprofits. Jeff Nash, the executive director, highlighted the organization’s expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic to include post-treatment housing, addressing a critical need for affordable, supportive options for women and children in Hawaii.
Nash expressed the organization’s commitment to utilizing the grant to further enhance housing services, emphasizing the importance of being responsible stewards of this generous gift. The aim is to significantly expand their services and improve outcomes for those they serve.
On the island of Maui, Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike offers a unique vocational training program for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This initiative integrates academic learning with hands-on experience, directly benefiting community needs. The grant will enable the exploration of new avenues, initiatives, and improvements, significantly enhancing their capacity to make a difference, as stated by executive director Lipoa Kahaleuahi.
Malama ‘Aina Foundation is dedicated to empowering future generations in underserved communities through STEAM education that is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. The organization’s president, Alison Kulanikauha’a Masutani, shared their enthusiasm for expanding their after-school programs, developing mobile learning platforms, and offering Trauma-Informed Care training, thanks to the grant.
In March 2023, Yield Giving issued an open call for applications from organizations focused on advancing the voices and opportunities of underrepresented groups. The overwhelming response led to an expansion of the awards, with 279 top-tier organizations receiving $2 million each, and 82 in the next tier receiving $1 million each.
The impact of these grants on the recipient organizations is profound. As Nash aptly put it, receiving such recognition and financial support from a philanthropist like MacKenzie Scott is a dream come true for small nonprofits. It not only validates their hard work and fiscal responsibility but also significantly enhances their capacity to serve their communities.
Through these generous grants, Yield Giving is not just providing financial support; it’s investing in the potential of these organizations to create lasting change in their communities. This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy, offering a brighter future for those in need.