U.S. Institutional Giving for Native Hawaiian Communities
For every $100 awarded by U.S. funders, Native Hawaiian communities receive less than two pennies.
Despite being Indigenous to Hawaiʻi and comprising a significant portion of the state’s population, Native Hawaiian communities received only $24.8 million from U.S. institutional funders in 2023, just 0.02% of the $140 billion they awarded overall.
Key Findings
Historic underfunding continues: Native Hawaiian funding peaked at just $24.8 million in 2023, representing 0.02% of the $140 billion awarded by U.S. funders
Funding concentration creates vulnerability: The top two funders alone account for 45.5% of all Native Hawaiian funding, while the top 10 funders represent 66.5%.
General operating support remains scarce: Only 17.8% of Native Hawaiian funding comes as unrestricted support, constraining organizational capacity and innovation.
Infrastructure exists but needs expansion: 360 foundations and corporations funded Native Hawaiian communities between 2019-2023, demonstrating existing pathways for increased investment.
The Hawaii Paradox
Hawaii received $721.7 million in philanthropic funding in 2023. Native Hawaiian communities received only 3.4% of that investment, $24.8 million. This disparity reveals how philanthropy can invest heavily in a place while systematically excluding the Indigenous people whose knowledge and stewardship sustain it.
Why This Data Matters for Your Advocacy
This report provides evidence advocates need to make the case for increased Native Hawaiian investment. Whether you’re developing funding proposals, building coalitions, or working within a foundation, these findings demonstrate both the need and clear opportunities for impact.
The data shows that philanthropic infrastructure exists, funding pathways are established, and the potential for transformational investment is significant.
About Power in Solidarity: Hawaii
This report is produced through Power in Solidarity: Hawaii, a partnership between Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP), and Native Hawaiian Philanthropy (NHP). This initiative highlights Native Hawaiian priorities and encourages grantmakers to increase philanthropic investments in Native Hawaiian communities.
About the Partners:
- AAPIP expands and mobilizes resources for AANHPI communities to build a more just and equitable society
- NAP is a Native-led organization that reshapes the philanthropic sector by applying Indigenous values to build more impactful and authentic relationships in philanthropy
- NHP is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of Native Hawaiian communities.
Questions about using this data in your advocacy work? Contact us at aapip@aapip.org for consultation and additional resources.