About the Fund
About the Fund
Women’s Fund of Hawai’i helps the most vulnerable women and girls realize their potential, promotes women’s financial security and girls’ leadership, addresses the factors that stand in the way of women’s success, and promotes their well-being. We are dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls statewide.
Since 2005, we have awarded over $2,190,000 in grants to 240+ community-based organizations to support over 400 programs across the state of Hawai’i.
Meaningful change is possible when a community invests in itself. The funds we raise go back into our island communities in the form of grants to organizations doing essential work on behalf of women and girls. Women’s Fund of Hawai’i is committed to helping women and girls overcome social and economic barriers, because when women are safe, healthy, and economically secure, then families and communities are too.
When Hawai’i’s women thrive, Hawai’i thrives.
Grants Process
Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i issues a Request for Proposal twice annually, in the spring and fall. Applications are accepted online via our web site for one month, after which they are thoroughly vetted by our Grants Committee. This Committee consists of up to 11 women community members from a variety of backgrounds, including our Executive Director and Grants Chair – a WFH Board member; certain WFH Board members; women who work or have worked with non-profits and/or grantmaking and writing in Hawai‘i, nationally, and internationally; women who hold advanced degrees in public health and social work and law, to name a few. Members change on a rotating basis.
Community Support
In 2025, thanks to our many wonderful donors, Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i was thrilled and honored to provide more than $162,000 in grant funding to over 19 organizations. Please see our Grant Partners page for the most recent programs awarded.
Women & Girls’ Philanthropy
We are committed to inspiring women to donate on behalf of other women and girls. Women’s equality leads to progress in our community as a whole, and investing in women and girls offers an incredible return on investment.
History
Women’s Fund of Hawai’i was first envisioned in 1989 by then-CEO of Hawaii Community Foundation Jane Renfro Smith. Ms. Smith and the Fund’s original supporters shared a vision to create an expanding resource permanently dedicated to women and girls. Only 1.9% of U.S. philanthropic dollars goes to women and girls. Our founders intended to decrease the gender gap in funding and were firm in their belief that women’s equality leads to societal progress.
In 2005, Women’s Fund of Hawai’i was granted its own 501(c)(3) status, elected a dynamic board of directors, and hired its first Executive Director. Since then, the Fund has been guided by prominent Hawaii women from a diverse array of fields who are deeply committed to achieving social change.
In 2005, Women’s Fund of Hawai’i made a grant in the amount of $5,000. In 2022, the Fund was able to increase the grant award to $10,000 for each non-profit organization with programs dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls across the state of Hawaii.