KAHULUI, Hawaii — Hawaii Community Foundation announced it has awarded $104,491 to three nonprofits that assist Maui families with children affected by the Maui fires in August 2023, according to a news release.
The three recipients are the Alexander Academy Performing Company, Maui Junior Golf Association and Unda Kava 808. In total, the Maui Strong Fund has now distributed $2.4 million in grants in the “Children and Family” sector.
The grants were made possible through donations to the Maui Strong Fund that was created to support the evolving needs of families affected by the wildfires, including food, grief counseling, rental support and other service.
Alexander Academy Performing Company is a dance studio in Upcountry Maui with 275 students ranging in age from 3 to adult. They received a $22,816 grant to support a program serving West Maui and Upcountry families that provides scholarships for classes, rehearsals and performance fees. A small portion of the funding will go toward dance clothes and shoes for scholarship recipients, as well as providing free tickets for those affected by the fires.
The Maui Junior Golf Association, of which more than 30% of its members are West Maui residents who were affected by the Lahaina fires, received a $25,000 grant to support programs that help Maui youth by building camaraderie and building golf skills as they grow and compete. The funding supports scholarships for fire-affected families who want to participate in the 2024 season along with partners Lahaina Junior Golf and First Tee Hawaii.
A $56,675 grant was awarded to Unda Kava 808 that conducts the Maui Junior Voyagers Program that provides youth the opportunity to connect with and deepen their understanding of traditional Native Hawaiian voyaging and wayfinding, celestial navigation, ʻōlelo Hawai‘i, Hawaiian cultural protocol, team building, service learning and basic sailing skills. The program stopped when the canoe, Holopuni, was destroyed in the wildfire. Funding will go toward replacing the equipment and some staffing to restart the program for 450 students.
“At Alexander Academy of Performing Arts, we’re committed to providing a haven for families impacted by the Maui fires, offering them a path to healing and connection through the transformative power of the arts,” said Alexander Academy Studio Director Danelle Watson in the release. “With the generous support of the Maui Strong Fund grant, we’re able to extend our outreach efforts, providing 100% discounted classes to those affected, ensuring they have access to a positive outlet for expression and community engagement.”
Jasper Yun, president of Maui Junior Golf Association, said, “This incredible contribution will provide much-needed support to our junior golfers from Maui County and specifically Lahaina, who were impacted by the devastating wildfires of August 2023. Many of our young athletes faced significant losses, including loss of their homes and personal belongings. This grant will not only help our junior golfers recover, but also allow them to stay focused on their goals and dreams on the golf course.”
Jeff Balinbin is the program coordinator and advisor for Unda Kava 808. “The Maui Junior Voyagers Program gives kids the kinds of skills that help them graduate. It gives them a sense of self, a sense of place, teaches them about the ʻāina. And, for those kids from Lahaina, or with family on the West Side, getting out and sailing has allowed them to reconnect with Lahaina in a positive way.”
As of April 5, HCF has awarded nearly $90 million from its Maui Strong Fund to over 160 nonprofits and partners doing work on Maui.
Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding from the Maui Strong Fund, which continues to accept public donations.