Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Native Hawaiian Philanthropy form partnership to better support Native Hawaiian communities through philanthropy

Washington, D.C. – Today, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Native Hawaiian Philanthropy announced the formation of the Power in Solidarity: Hawaii, a new partnership designed to uplift Native Hawaiian communities and advocate for increased philanthropic funding from national and international funders. Throughout 2025, the Power in Solidarity: Hawaii Partnership will collaborate on a multitude of upcoming projects, including:

1. A new report on trends, gaps, and opportunities related to foundation funding for Native Hawaiian communities;
2. A series of webinars focused on Native Hawaiian community priorities and assets;
3. A funder learning tour in the Fall of 2025 to bring grantmakers to the Islands to see first hand the priorities and assets of Native Hawaiian communities and inspire philanthropic investment.

Research shows that institutional giving to Native Hawaiian communities rarely tops $20 million in any given year. Put differently, for every $100 awarded by U.S. foundations, only slightly more than one penny goes to Native Hawaiian communities. Throughout 2025, the Power in Solidarity: Hawaii Partnership will work to strengthen philanthropic understanding of Hawaiian advocacy and movement-building. Collectively, the organizations will work together to promote cultural and environmental preservation, economic development, health equity, education, and social justice for Native Hawaiian communities and nonprofits. 

“Building bridges in philanthropy is a key first step to increase community investment that will drive the growth and well-being of Native Hawaiian communities,” said Ku’uleinani Maunupau, CEO of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy. “We are excited to announce this partnership – continuing to grow critical relationships within philanthropy that will help us drive funding to enrich Native Hawaiian communities, and support native Hawaiians' legal and political rights.”

“I’m so inspired that Native Hawaiian Philanthropy was born out of our joint conference with Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy,”said Erik Stegman, Chief Executive Officer at Native Americans in Philanthropy. “This partnership is our commitment to build a sustainable pathway for increased funding from philanthropy in Native Hawaiian communities–honoring our origin story together in solidarity as organizations.”

“This partnership represents a natural collaboration between three mission-aligned organizations serving overlapping communities, and reminds us that we are always stronger when we work together,” said Lyle Matthew Kan, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. “I invite all grantmakers looking for innovative, scalable, and impactful projects to fund to engage us in this partnership and consider investing in Native Hawaiian priorities and assets.” 

The Power in Solidarity; Hawaii partnership will launch with the series of webinars and will be followed by the release of the new report and an immersive learning tour in Fall 2025. Details on how interested funders can engage and participate in these initiatives will be shared early next year.