Recent gifts boost housing and strategic planning efforts by local nonprofits

Eight local nonprofits recently benefited from grants made by the Central Pacific Bank Foundation that were matched by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moinesʻ Member Impact Fund, totaling $625,000.  

CPB Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Central Pacific Bank, which was established more than 70 years ago by Japanese American veterans whose goal was to serve the community, said Catherine Ngo, CPB Foundation president. “Today, we honor the legacy of our founders by giving back in the areas of education, which includes support for our keiki, as well as developing our local workforce and affordable housing in Hawaiʻi."

Ngo added that FHLB’s matched of $1.50 to $1 was unique for this batch of grantees, “which amplified giving to organizations that we felt met important needs in our community."  

CPB Foundation has a longstanding partnership with aio Foundation, she said. “In a lot of cases, it’s not just financial support we offer, but a relationship. We have previously provided financial trainings and helped residents open bank accounts. It’s too early to say what else we will do with their new planned community.  

“We look forward to continuing to support the community. Working across sectors will help us solve some of the problems we have here in Hawai’i, together,” Ngo told Aloha State Daily. "We’re going to continue to roll up our sleeves to provide leadership and other support to our local nonprofit organizations.”    

Seven of the eight projects have been announced, including:  

aio Foundation ($275,000): for a planned community of homes and communal facilities, called Hui Mahiai Village, for approximately 192 currently homeless individuals in Waimānalo

King Lunalilo Trust ($62,500): to help fund pre-development costs for a 20-unit affordable housing project in Hawaiʻi Kai. Read more, here.

Holomua Collective ($37,500): for its Lahaina Deed Restriction Grant Program

St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaiʻi ($37,500): to provide resources for long-term sustainability

The Institute for Human Services ($37,500): to help build administrative offices that serve homeless communities

Hawaiian Community Assets ($25,000): to support its mission “to build the capacity of low- and moderate-income communities to achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency.”

Child & Family Service ($25,000): to support initiatives for community development, family and youth programs and the prevention of child abuse

ASD spoke with two organizations about what this funding will allow them to accomplish now and in the future.

Currently, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai‘i provides palliative and hospice care; kūpuna services such as adult day care, skilled nursing (the Villas) and assisted-living facilities (Hale o Meleana by ʻOhana Pacific Health); and social activities, family support and other services like personal care, and transportation.    

“St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai‘i is grateful to receive a grant from the CPB Foundation and Federal Home Loans of Des Moines  — two entities that are deeply committed to strengthening communities,” said Kim Vierra, St. Francis director of advancement and communications. “Similarly, St. Francis is rooted in the heart of our community, caring for island families for nearly 100 years. We are focused on building a vibrant future for St. Francis that extends our legacy of care, honors our Franciscan values, and optimizes our core programs to serve more families.  

“With this funding, we will develop and execute a strategic plan that strengthens our impact and operations to honor our legacy into the future.”

St. Francis cares for more than 4,000 clients, patients and caregivers each year with help from more than 160 employees and 115 volunteers, Vierra added.  

“St. Francis’ fundraising goals are focused on advancing our mission to care for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna and their caregivers. Philanthropic support from faithful donors strengthens our palliative and hospice services and innovative care models, capital improvements, program enhancement and outreach services,” she said.

Since 2000, Hawaiian Community Assets has provided HUD-approved homeownership and financial education curriculum called Kahua Waiwai, in addition to creating its own nonprofit mortgage broker, Hawaiian Community Lending.

“Our curriculum is what sets us apart from other agencies across the U.S. because it is place-based, rooted in Hawaiian culture, practices and worldviews. Its relevant and tangible to Hawaiʻi residents,” said Makana Reilly, director of advancement and communications.

“This funding from the CPB Foundation allows us to continue to support community members in building financial tools that are crucial to long-term affordable housing and housing stability,” she continued.  

In 2024, Hawaiian Community Assets served more than 7,000 community members, according to its 2025 strategic plan. This year, its aims to reach 8,000 individuals and families statewide, with support from about 30 specialists across five islands that provide free counseling.

“It’s about meeting people where they are,” Reilly said, adding that its programming includes financial education and homebuyer education workshops, as well as one-on-one counseling, among other services, that help families become “mortgage ready.”

The organization’s Ua Hale Aʻela program allows families to rent with an option to purchase at a set sale price in the beginning of the two-year term. “For this program, we acquire and renovate units for people who are not mortgage-ready yet, but if they can improve their credit or secure a loan, they will be. The market may shift, but the price of the unit will not.”

From her perspective, the program has “seen amazing success with multiple clients, who have experienced houselessness to now being able to own or rent a home.”

This year, Hawaiian Community Assets turns 25, and the organization is looking to raise $25 million over the next 2.5 years. Reilly says millions have been raised already but there's still "a good amount to go."

If interested in learning more about this campaign, email makana@hawaiiancommunity.net.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.