During the holiday season Nareit Hawaii awarded $145,000 in grants to five nonprofit organizations to support a variety of programs helping communities and residents to fulfill basic lifestyle needs, including literacy, wellness, education, and food security.
Nareit Hawaii Executive Director Gladys Quinto Marrone commented, “It’s an honor to support these nonprofits and the wonderful work that their dedicated employees are doing every day to help make our fellow residents stronger and our communities more resilient to the challenges Hawaii is facing.”
The five nonprofits receiving grants from Nareit Hawaii are as follows:
Hawaii Literacy: $35,000
Hawaii Literacy is utilizing Nareit Hawaii’s $35,000 grant to expand its digital literacy program on Kauai, where an estimated 5,600 adults struggle with basic literacy. The need for accessible learning on Kauai for adults is high, and the grant funding will allow Hawaii Literacy to increase the opportunities for personalized one-on-one tutoring, offer additional literacy and digital skills workshops, and reach more residents in rural and underserved areas. Program participants will improve their reading and writing skills and expand their ability to effectively use digital tools to access job opportunities, health services, and education.
Kaibigan ng Lāhaina: $30,000
Kaibigan ng Lāhaina’s mission is to be the vanguards of Filipinos and immigrants in West Maui leading the path towards assuring socioeconomic mobility, mental health and wellness, and advancement in educational and professional development. Nareit Hawaii’s $30,000 grant is being applied in a variety of ways to support the recovery of the Filipino community in Lahaina. This includes advocacy and utilization of resources for retirees, supporting night market events that bring the community together for healing, celebration and cultural pride, and establishing a comprehensive database program to document interactions, support and resource referrals for Filipino community members in Lahaina.
Hawaii Land Trust: $30,000
Nareit Hawaii’s $30,000 grant will contribute to Hawaii Land Trust’s efforts to expand its youth educational programs throughout Hawaii. The funding will support community programs and training opportunities to enhance a greater understanding and sense of responsibility about the long-term stewardship of natural resources on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island by youths on each island.
The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together: $25,000
The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together is utlizing Nareit Hawaii’s $25,000 grant to support its Farmer Food Systems Program, which is at the core of its supply chain and food acquisition process. The program focuses on building strong, sustainable partnerships with local farmers to support the purchase of fresh, locally sourced surplus produce to help feed the 1,200 families that the nonprofit serves each week. In doing so, the program helps local farmers to thrive, improves food security for families throughout the community, and supports a more resilient, farm-focused food system for Hawaii.
The Salvation Army: $25,000
Nareit Hawaii’s $25,000 grant is supporting The Salvation Army’s Love Beyond the Holidays initiative to help feed families, children and the elderly on Oahu in need of assistance in 2025. Nareit Hawaii’s grant will support The Salvation Army’s various efforts to provide food programs in communities to help feed the hungry.
