If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization, you’ve come to the right place.
Be sure to check back regularly to get our latest news updates.
As 2025 came to a close, Hawaiʻi Island United Way celebrated a year of powerful community impact made possible by the generosity of donors, partners, and volunteers. A major highlight was the first Givers Gala, hosted on October 24 at the Arc of Hilo, where the Ripple Effect Awards honored local nonprofit leaders and changemakers. Throughout the year, HIUW launched the Hawaiʻi Island Nonprofit Network, funded 25 nonprofits supporting more than 30 programs, opened the Hawaiʻi Island Furniture Bank, and strengthened Workplace Campaigns through new online giving options. As demand for services continues to grow, HIUW invites the community to stay engaged through giving, volunteering, and collaboration as we move into 2026—together building a healthier Hawaiʻi Island.
We've been busy kicking off our workplace campaign, announcing 9 Ripple Effect Awardees, and planning an epic Givers Gala. One of the reasons we are working so hard to build momentum is because this sector is too often overlooked – especially on neighbor islands. We were surprised to learn, nonprofits represent nearly 12% of all employment in Hawaiʻi, reflecting the sectors deep contribution to our collective social and economic wellbeing. Check out our September newsletter to learn how you can help us build the Hawaiʻi Island Nonprofit Network and uplift the people and programs that support our most vulnerable neighbors.
Read about Hawaiʻi Island United Way's 2025-26 strategic objectives and how you can help strengthen Hawaiʻi Island communities. Plus -- Nominate a nonprofit employee or organization for a Ripple Effect Award before July 15th! Read more in the July 2025newsletter.
Click the g2 logo to learn more about how to sponsor the Ripple Effect Awards at the Givers Gala on October 24th, 2025!
Mahalo nui loa,
G2 Event Committee Co-Chairs
Jesica Carriaga, HFSFCU
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian, Chamber of Sustainable Commerce
Jessica Thompson, President and CPO HIUW I cpo@hiuw.org I 808-935-6393
Our mission is to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community. Hawai'i Island United Way is at a pivotal moment in our history, and we are seeking board members who are committed to the mission of our organization. If you are committed to our mission and eager to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of our current context, click here to learn more!
In our latest newsletter, learn more about our mission, the challenges we face, and how we are creating positive change in the world. In addition, we are providing some opportunities for you to get involved, while highlighting our most recent fundraising event!
We’re also excited to put a spotlight on the amazing work being done by some of our nonprofit partners!
Click on the newsletter to see how together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community.
