In its accelerated destination management efforts to preserve and regenerate Hawaii’s natural resources, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) have announced $1,575,000 in funding to support 31 community-based programs statewide through its Aloha Aina program for 2022.
Recipients include qualified nonprofit organizations that are protecting and improving the natural environment, helping Malama Kuu Home (care for my beloved home) and supporting a more holistic, regenerative tourism model for Hawaii.
“The Aloha Aina program is a way for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to directly support the organizations making a difference in our environment by educating and engaging people in the stewardship of our natural environment,” said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA Chief Brand Officer. “We appreciate the efforts of these organizations and the communities that have embraced them as we collectively malama our home.”
The Aloha Aina program is an integral part of HTA’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which is aligned with the State’s Aloha+ Challenge framework for natural resource management. HTA also supports the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Since 20101, HTA has provided nearly $12 million in total funding to support 345 community-based organizations and projects that help to manage, improve and protect Hawaii’s natural environment.
HTA selected the Hawaii Community Foundation to administer its Aloha Aina program for 2022 for its experience in working with nonprofits in the Natural Resource sector and the organization’s collective action approach through its CHANGE Framework.
“HCF is proud to support HTA’s Aloha Aina program because of its unique approach to engaging organizations across the state who are working to address natural resource issues,” said Michelle Kauhane, Senior Vice President of Community Grants & Initiatives at HCF. “The awardees in this year’s cohort bring the strength of community-led solutions that truly emphasize collective action and shared goals of a more abundant and thriving aina.”
A request for proposals was issued on September 15, 2021, with submittals from applicants received by October 29, 2021.
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