It doesn’t need to be International Women’s Day to celebrate women in the Islands — or anywhere in the world for that matter. The Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i (WFH) is one of the island’s most prominent non-profit organizations for a reason; they have found and filled their niche. Their aim is to positively impact the lives of Hawai‘i’s underserved women, supporting innovative programs for females via their partnerships and grants.

In addition to helping females young and old realize and live up to their full potential, the WFH promotes financial security and leadership for women, as well as tackles tough topics that stand in the way of women’s progression, including teen pregnancy, self-esteem issues, domestic violence, mental and physical problems, substance abuse, inadequate health care and reproductive rights, among other issues. The nonprofit seeks to challenge these issues head-on and promote women’s health and well-being, especially during a time when women’s rights are being challenged throughout the country.

Annual grants from generous donors keep the fund functioning and pays homage to Elizabeth Rice Grossman, whose lead gift of $100K established the WFH’s permanent endowment. WFH assures that women are safe and empowered to be successful members of the community. Programs for women unfortunately do not have adequate funding, which sadly is not just limited to Hawai‘i. According to WFH, “programs serving women and girls receive less than two percent of all charitable giving in the U.S., though they comprise 50 percent of the population.”

Believing that when women thrive, families and communities prosper, the WFH issues a request for proposal twice a year, in the spring and fall. Applications are accepted online and vetted by the Grants Committee. Thanks to community support, WFH was able to provide more than $260,000 in grant funding in spring and fall of 2023. The list of approved grants is extensive, but some include transportation and childcare for women fleeing domestic violence, providing dental work and oral care to women overcoming homelessness, and providing support to pregnant women and new mothers with children in need. In response to the wildfires across the island last year, WFH mobilized an emergency fund to help those affected.

By supporting WFH, you will join a community of philanthropists supporting the future of women and girls in the islands, making Hawaiian women and girls successful.

The WFH vision is fitting: “a Hawai‘i where every woman and girl is safe, healthy, financially secure, and empowered to reach her fullest potential.”

womensfundhawaii.org