At a time when Native-led organizations remain underfunded, Philanthropono’s upcoming Kaʻiʻi Hōʻike will spotlight a new generation of Indigenous leaders reshaping fundraising through culture, community, and relationships.
Participants in Philanthropono, a fundraising training program for Native Hawaiian, Native American, and Alaska Native leaders, will be part of the culminating event, Kaʻiʻi Hōʻike, beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 30.
More than a showcase, the Hōʻike (exhibition) offers a look at how Indigenous leaders are redefining philanthropy, moving beyond transactional fundraising and centering on reciprocity, stewardship, and accountability to the community.
During the virtual event, participants will present their case for support, share the impact of their work, and make a live fundraising appeal.
“Philanthropono demonstrates that fundraising is not just transactional — it is relational, cultural, and deeply rooted in who we are as communities,” said Olani Lilly, founder of Changemakers Hawaiʻi. “Participants are reclaiming and applying ancestral skills in a contemporary context to sustain their work and their people.”
The event comes amid growing awareness of the barriers Native-led organizations face in accessing philanthropic capital, despite their role in advancing solutions across education, culture, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Philanthropono is funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Robert’s Foundation to equip leaders with fundraising tools rooted in Indigenous values, authentic relationship-building, and long-term community stewardship. This year’s cohort represents organizations leading transformative work across Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Among them is Andrea Dias-Machado, founder of Ke ʻAlohi ʻo ʻEwa, whose work advances Native Hawaiian language immersion and education system-building grounded in ʻike kūpuna and parent leadership. Also featured is Shavone Lave of Waiʻanae Economic Development Corp., who is helping expand economic opportunity and community resilience on the Waiʻanae Coast.
Community members, nonprofit leaders, funders, and media are invited to attend the virtually hosted Hōʻike to hear directly from participants and learn how culturally grounded fundraising is strengthening Native-led organizations.
Philanthropono Kaʻiʻi Hōʻike will be hosted over Zoom. Register for the meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UUAtuIkAThCJjXy6rHV0RA#/registration.
Philanthropono is also opening registration for its next Kaʻiʻi Beginner Cohort, which begins in June 2026.
