Vision Statements
The H.T. Hayashi Foundation’s Board of Directors has developed 6 Vision Statements that represent their long-term vision, for the kind of impact they hope the Foundation is able to be a part of over the next 20 to 30 years. It is the intent that in each year, the Foundation will NOT focus on all 6 at the same time, but rather, will focus on certain ones based on requests for support received as well as partnerships and networks grown/evolved/seeded/supported. Publishing them all here, allows potential grantees, members of the public, as well as potential stakeholder partners, to get a sense of our major focus areas to determine best fit for reaching out to us with a support inquiry on programs/organizations targeted for short and long-term impact as a part of a proposed action item under 1 or more of the Vision Statements.
We desire to support organizations working in any of these spaces. At the same time, we also believe that it is possible to be doing great work in one or more of these areas but doing it in a way that harms other areas that the foundation is passionate about supporting. The foundation desires to support organizations whose work does not harm any of our focus areas.
In line with this priority, the foundation believes in working hard to be good stewards of our environment. We are working to adjust our practices and operations to reflect this value. We desire to support organizations that have, in their day-to-day operations, climate-friendly practices that support a healthier Hawaii. We understand that some solutions are too complex or expensive for, in particular, smaller organizations to implement. That being said, we will ask, prior to supporting an organization, what they are currently doing in this space. Basic/simple examples include: minimizing paper and converting to digital where possible, energy-efficient lighting, waste practices that focus on lower energy use and less use of plastics, reducing food waste, encouraging ride-sharing to work or meetings, implementing a comprehensive recycling program, recycling or donate your office electronic waste (e-waste), and replacing some in-person meetings with virtual meetings.
1 |
We recognize that the challenge of HOMELESSNESS is complex, with a need for diverse solutions and many partners across the state. We also acknowledge the breadth of strategies and funding streams currently involved in addressing the crisis at all levels. The H.T. Hayashi Foundation is focusing its funding in this area on prevention strategies. While we recognize the immediacy of the need for those already homeless, we believe there must also be a focus on “turning off the faucet.” Prevention will be broadly defined by the community of nonprofit organizations approaching us to partner. The work can include, but is not limited to, education, early childhood development, mental illness supports, supporting the needs of at-risk youth, mentoring, trauma-informed care, supporting the needs of people with disabilities, and caring for the elderly. |
2 |
We will work to support programs and organizations that help generations of WOMEN struggling with various life challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, trauma, mental illness, single parenthood, and interactions with the criminal justice system. We aspire to help these women and the lives they touch as they move forward in life to survive and thrive. |
3 |
We believe that access to ART (IN ALL ITS FORMS) is critical to developing and maintaining healthy, thriving, and compassionate communities across the state. We aspire to see art return to the public school curriculum across the state. We would also like to see thriving art organizations (of all sizes) help communities across the state to see, hear, and experience art. While we believe in the value of access to art for all communities, we have a particular interest in those communities that do not traditionally have the opportunity to experience art, including rural and economically disadvantaged communities. |
4 |
CULTURAL PRESERVATION (ALL CULTURES REPRESENTED IN HAWAII) is a priority of the H.T. Hayashi Foundation and includes preserving practices/traditions, sites, and language for future generations. When we can be grounded in who we are as individuals and where we came from in our genealogy, we believe we are better prepared to weather life’s storms, build a thriving future, and help future generations in Hawaii. |
5 |
We believe that being an island state increases the importance of LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION. Increasing local food production will mean that our residents can be more food secure and better manage through any future crisis our state may face. We believe that food is not just about hunger, it is about resilience and impacts our overall health and ability to effectively function in settings such as school or work. We believe food security includes, but is not limited to, agriculture/farming efforts, education, training of next generation farmers, workforce housing, food safety protocols, food processing resources, culturally relevant nutrition information, and business mentoring for the financial stability of small or individual farmers. |
6 |
We prioritize helping to ensure that Hawaii ANIMALS have a more humane existence. We believe doing so means supporting organizations that provide access to adequate and quality healthcare and access to shelter and permanent homes (broadly defined) for relevant/appropriate animals. We also prioritize the preservation of indigenous species (birds, bats, marine life), including the natural habitats and ecosystems in which they thrive. |
Grants
We believe in forward-thinking approaches to helping organizations achieve their goals. Providing counsel to all applicants and working to build capacity over multiple years, we partner closely with grantees for long-term growth.
Partner Organizations
We partner with diverse organizations to improve people’s quality of life and provide opportunities for the people of Hawaii to increase their self-sufficiency.