The Hawai'i Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $7 million to 194 nonprofits in support of efforts to address systemic inequities across the state.

Inaugural grants awarded through the foundation's CHANGE Grants program will support efforts to better understand the core issues, gaps, needs, and solutions in the six interconnected sectors that affect communities' ability to thrive: community and economy, health and wellness, arts and culture, natural environment, government and civics, and education. Recipients include Dynamic Community Solutions ($50,000), Waimanalo Health Center ($50,000), Kumu Kahua Theatre ($40,000), Malama Pupukea-Waimea ($31,067), Grassroot Institute of Hawaii ($30,000), and Hanalani Schools ($40,000).

Funded with $2 million in donations and a $5 million gift from MacKenzie Scott, the grants, which average $36,000, can be used for general operating and program expenses. About 51 percent of the applicant organizations have annual operating budgets of under $500,000. The CHANGE Grants program is taking a trust-based philanthropy approach focused on addressing the inherent power imbalances between foundations and nonprofits using elements of transparency, equity, and collaboration.

"To address Hawai'i's inequities we have to uncover the root of the problem by speaking with the people closest to the work," said Michelle Kauhane, senior vice president of community grants and initiatives at HCF. "Over the past few months, we've had insightful, deep conversations with our local nonprofits — and the approach has enabled us to learn and to listen to how they are addressing our state's challenges and to hear their solutions."

"This grant opportunity will allow us to move forward on our own agenda for change, which is working to assure the Hāna community is the most healthy, vibrant community possible," said Cheryl Vasconcellos, executive director of Hāna Health, a federally qualified health center that will use its $50,000 grant to help improve economic development and food security. "We're really trying to use a holistic approach to develop an equitable healthcare system and community, so access is improved and people are able to earn enough money to support themselves and their families."

For a complete list of CHANGE Grants recipients, see the HCF website.

(Photo credit: )