Funding to Assist Families in Need and Spur Social Innovation
The Hawai'i Community Foundation announced today a six-year, $50 million commitment from Pierre and Pam Omidyar — believed to be the largest single gift by a living donor in the state of Hawai'i's history. The investment will be used to launch several community initiatives over the six-year period as well as support the Omidyars' ongoing philanthropic interests through the Omidyar 'Ohana Fund at the Hawai'i Community Foundation.
“Pam and I are privileged to call Hawai'i home. Given the economic crisis and hardships throughout the state, we felt it was especially important at this time to expand our philanthropy in the islands. We are delighted to have the support and counsel of the Hawai'i Community Foundation to help us identify where we can have the most impact,” said Pierre Omidyar. “We are humbled and inspired by the many people and organizations dedicated to transforming lives in our community. We look forward to being part of the collective effort to improve the quality of life for people throughout Hawai'i.”
Since returning to Hawai'i several years ago, the Omidyars have supported a number of local causes and organizations, from helping launch Kanu Hawai'i to backing the expansion of Ma'o Organic Farms in Wai'anae and its farm to school program for young adults. Most recently the Omidyars launched the Ulupono Initiative, a social investment organization that makes nonprofit grants and for profit investments aimed at addressing issues critical to Hawai'i's sustainable future—renewable energy, local food production and waste reduction.
“Our family was warmly welcomed by old friends and new acquaintances when we decided to make Hawai'i our home. That experience was a strong reminder of the important role community plays in every aspect of life here in the islands,” said Pam Omidyar. “We hope that our efforts provide many new opportunities for people in Hawai'i to thrive despite challenging times.”
While the specific commitments that comprise the $50 million will be determined over time, the Hawai'i Community Foundation did announce the first few investments, totaling $16 million, including:
- Community Stabilization Initiative: A six year, $8 million funding partnership aimed at stabilizing communities by helping families and individuals weather the recession and build towards the future. The initiative seeks to increase the utilization of available government resources, increase credit counseling and mortgage foreclosure prevention services and asset building strategies. The Omidyar 'Ohana Fund is providing a lead grant of $4 million for this initiative that must be matched by other donors, foundations and government agencies over the next six years.
- Omidyar Innovation Fund: A new competitive grant making program to be launched in 2010 aimed at spurring innovation in Hawai'i's social sector. The Omidyars are committing $6 million over six years for this program, which will provide matchmaking funds for qualifying organizations.
- Building a Sustainable K-1 Neighborhood at Punahou School: The Omidyars have made a $6 million, six-year challenge grant to be matched by other donors to support the construction and operations of the new Omidyar Kindergarten-First Grade Neighborhood. The multi-building complex will be constructed according to the rigorous LEED Platinum Certification guidelines (the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design under the United States Green Building Council), and will be the first LEED Platinum educational structure in Hawai'i.
“We are honored that the Omidyars are working with the Hawai'i Community Foundation to make this historic, extraordinary commitment to the people of Hawai'i,” said Kelvin Taketa, President and CEO of the Foundation. “For the past few years, we have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Pierre and Pam - people who are passionate about the causes they support, and committed to Hawai'i's future. We are lucky, as a community, to have them in our midst.”
“The Community Stabilization Initiative and the Innovation Fund could not have come at a better time. Beyond the positive impact that we expect to achieve for families and communities, we hope that the Omidyars' generosity will encourage others to participate in our vital social sector in whatever way they can. We want to build on this momentum and create a sense of optimism for our future,” Taketa continued.
A comprehensive announcement regarding the Community Stabilization Initiative is expected before the end of the year, and details around the Omidyar Innovation Fund and other initiatives will be posted as they become available on the Hawai'i Community Foundation website, www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org. For questions and inquiries, please go to the website and visit the Omidyar 'Ohana Fund link.
About Pierre and Pam Omidyar
Pierre and Pam Omidyar are active philanthropists engaged in numerous efforts to make the world a better place. Pierre and Pam are guided by their beliefs in the inherent capability of all individuals and the power of markets. These beliefs led Pierre to found eBay in 1995. eBay demonstrated that a successful business can also be an effective tool for improving people's lives. As a result, Pierre and Pam use an expanded toolset in their philanthropy, making for-profit investments as well as traditional grants. Through their philanthropy, Pierre and Pam seek to provide opportunities for people to improve their lives, and ignite change across a variety of sectors. Omidyar Network, Humanity United, HopeLab, and the Ulupono Initiative were all founded by the Omidyars; major programs or funds have been established at the following institutions through grants from the Omidyars: the Santa Fe Institute, Tufts University, and the Hawai'i Community Foundation.
About Hawai'i Community Foundation
With more than 90 years of community service, the Hawai'i Community Foundation has become the leading philanthropic institution in the state. With a presence stretching across all the islands and a reach covering a broad array of fields, the Foundation works with individuals, families, foundations, businesses and organizations to transform lives and improve our communities. Since 2000, the Foundation has provided more than $160 million in grants and contracts throughout Hawai'i.
Contacts:
Hawai'i Community Foundation
Kalowena Komeiji,
808-566-5527
kkomeiji@hcf-hawaii.org
or
Bennet
Group
Char Chang, 808-265-3493
char@bennetgroup.com
