Hawaiʻi e-news

JUNE 2022

Advancing community-led housing initiatives
Investing in Hawai'i nonprofit leadership
Hawai'i Island spotlight: Communities of hope and resilience
Weinberg Foundation’s communications leadership transition includes expanded communications role in Hawai'i
New faces at the Weinberg Foundation
$2 million in recent Hawai’i grants announced

Advancing community-led housing initiatives

With a $1 million capital grant to support the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Farm Village, the Weinberg Foundation made its first investment in community-led housing initiatives in partnership with unhoused community members. In partnering with people who have experienced houselessness, we believe it is crucial not just to support the construction of brick-and-mortar houses, but to support efforts that build resilient communities. Twinkle Borge, James Pakele, and the leadership at Pu’uhonua O Waiʻanae, are building community and local leadership with humility and an intergenerational commitment to their home on the Waiʻanae Coast.

Investing in Hawai'i nonprofit leadership

The Weinberg Foundation is excited to partner with the Hawai'i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO) and four other funders to launch the HANO Fellows program. In conversations with nonprofit leaders across the state, the Foundation repeatedly heard that there is a need for leadership development and relationship building opportunities for new nonprofit executive directors. The inaugural cohort of 15 emerging nonprofit directors will come together for nine months to foster peer relationships and hone their nonprofit management skills in service of community.

Hawai'i Island spotlight: Communities of hope and resilience

In April, the Hawai'i program team was thrilled to finally meet with partners on Hawai'i Island after two years of suspended travel due to the pandemic. The trip included in-person site visits, which allowed the team to experience the collaborations and informative solutions addressing urgent needs and highlighting long-term resilience for an island that consists of mostly rural communities. At the heart of these projects are relationships with partners that are inspiring, as well as great models to listen and learn from.

Weinberg Foundation’s communications leadership transition includes expanded communications role in Hawai'i

The Weinberg Foundation recently announced the planned transition involving leadership of the Foundation’s communications team. This Foundation-wide transition has also created the opportunity for Marisa Castuera Hayase, Program Director – Hawai'i office to expand her role. As previously announced at the end of last year, upon Corbett A. K. Kalama’s retirement as executive vice president – Hawai'i office at the end of 2022, Marisa will be promoted to managing director, Hawai'i programs and communications. As part of her new role at the Foundation, Marisa will support the Foundation’s communications and community relations efforts throughout Hawai'i and continue to lead the Hawai'i team’s grantmaking work.

Last month, the Weinberg Foundation expanded its finance team! Shaun Toyama joined the Hawaiʿi office as a senior accountant.

In addition, the Foundation currently has three open positions to fill. To learn more about each of these roles, click here.

$2 million in recent Hawai’i grants announced

The Foundation recently approved $2 million in Hawai’i-specific grants supporting the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services.

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