MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Community Foundation is inviting community groups and nonprofit organizations to submit grant proposals for the West Hawaii Fund.

Established in 1990 to provide a stronger link between charitable donors and the specific needs of West Hawaii communities from Kohala to Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, the West Hawaii Fund is currently accepting applications through Oct. 3, 2011.

Through the years, local citizens have contributed to the fund including Hartwell and Rebecca Carter, Robert C. and Helen F. Nichols, Arthur Mullaly, and Oscar and Ernestine Armstrong.

The West Hawaii Fund welcomes proposals aimed at improving the quality of life on the west side of Hawaii Island. Applications for programs that address the critical needs of people affected by the current economy are strongly encouraged.

Preference will be given to projects that focus on one or more of the following areas:

* Human Services
* Culture & Arts
* Education
* Conservation
* Environment

To be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000, a group must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization — such as schools, units of government or neighborhood groups — or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor and clearly demonstrate a program or project’s benefit to the West Hawaii community.

Community organizations without 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for a grant up to $2,000, provided the activities to be supported are charitable.

All proposals must be post-marked on or before Oct. 3, 2011, and mailed to the Hawaii Community Foundation, Attention: West Hawaii Fund, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813.

With 95 years of community service, the Hawaii Community Foundation has become the leading philanthropic institution in the state. Having a presence that stretches 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 Hawaii’s communities.

In 2010, the Foundation provided more than $32 million in grants and contracts throughout Hawaii on behalf of its clients and funds.

— Find out more:
www.hawaii.communityfoundation.org