MEDIA RELEASE

“Change, not charity” is the motto used by Hawaii People’s Fund.

Charity is critical, especially in rough times like these, executive director Nancy Aleck said, but the organization’s approach is different. It supports community groups working to make change at the root of issues.

The fund, established in 1972, is a nonprofit organization that raises money to collectively support grassroots groups working for progressive social change throughout the islands.

Through individual donations, donor advised funds, and partial matches from Hawaii Community Foundation, nearly $50,000 in fall grants was recently awarded by Hawaii People’s Fund.

Fall grantees include:

* AFSC-Hawaii (Islandwide)
* Brave Heart Program (Oahu)
* Equality Hawaii Foundation (Islandwide)
* Hawaii Homegrown Food Network (Hawaii Island)
* Maui Huliau Foundation (Maui)
* Peace Warriors (Oahu)
* PHOCUSED (Islandwide)
* Sust-Aina-ble Molokai (Molokai)
* World Can’t Wait – Hawaii (Oahu)

Non-profit community-based groups with budget of $250,000 or less can apply for funding. The next cycle of proposals will be due March 1, 2011. Updated guidelines and application form will be posted to www.HawaiiPeoplesFund.org in January.

For more information on these and other grantees and Hawaii People’s Fund, visit ChangeNotCharity.org