AUW Awards $1.3 Million in Grants to Empower ALICE Families Across Hawaiʻi

Nov. 14, 2024

HONOLULU – Aloha United Way (AUW) is proud to announce the selection of 20 nonprofit organizations as part of the 2025-2027 AUW ALICE Cohort, a collective impact initiative aimed at advancing financial stability, housing solutions, and workforce opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. The selected organizations will collectively receive $1.3 million per year over three years to fund initiatives that tackle economic challenges facing working families across the state.

The ALICE Cohort, an integral part of the larger ALICE® Initiative, reflects AUW’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic mobility and financial security across Hawaiʻi. Each Cohort member brings a shared dedication to advancing the same vital mission.
 
The AUW ALICE Cohort’s $1.3 million in funding includes a leading $500,000 contribution from The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, alongside generous support from the Bank of Hawaiʻi Foundation, HEI Charitable Foundation, HMSA, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, and Locations Foundation. This annual funding will be distributed equally among the 20 organizations for three years (2025–2027) to address financial stability, savings programs, workforce opportunity, and affordable housing support.
 
“We are thrilled to support these 20 organizations in tackling some of the most urgent challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s working families,” said Suzanne Skjold, Chief Operating Officer of Aloha United Way. “This Cohort is dedicated to developing solutions that not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for longer-term financial stability. By investing in our local nonprofits and their targeted programs, we are collectively moving towards a more resilient and equitable Hawaiʻi for all.”
 
“HCF’s support for the AUW ALICE Cohort aligns with our mission to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities and promote a thriving future for everyone,” said Michelle Kaʻuhane, HCF’s Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. “This funding enables us to work in partnership with Aloha United Way and local organizations dedicated to alleviating economic hardship for ALICE households across the state. Together, we can build impactful, long-lasting change.”
 

List of the 2025-2027 AUW ALICE Cohort Organizations:

 

- Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi

- Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi

- Family Promise of Hawaiʻi

- Feed the Hunger Foundation

- Goodwill Hawaiʻi

- Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice

- Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network

- Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute

- Hawaiian Community Assets Inc.

- IHS, The Institute for Human Services Inc.

- Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture

- Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services

- Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi

- Parents And Children Together

- Partners in Development Foundation

- Residential Youth Services & Empowerment

- The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division (Oʻahu)

- Touch a Heart Inc.

- Waikīkī Community Center

- Young Women's Christian Association of Oʻahu

 

The new Cohort will convene regularly to share insights, align on strategic goals, and collaborate to enhance the reach and impact of their initiatives. Their combined efforts will drive progress in financial literacy, debt reduction, and housing stability, collectively contributing to a more equitable Hawaiʻi.

For more information on the AUW ALICE Cohort or to learn about the programs and services that support Hawaiʻi’s ALICE households, please visit www.AUW.org/Alice-Initiative.

Download the press release.

About Aloha United Way
Founded in 1919, Aloha United Way brings resources, organizations and businesses together to advance the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. AUW has evolved over the years and adapted to meet our community’s greatest needs focusing on amplifying non-profit agencies and their work as well as the 211 Statewide Helpline, ALICE Initiative and Safety Net Fund. A member of United Way Worldwide, AUW supports nonprofits and communities on Oʻahu. For more information, visit AUW.org or connect with us on social media - @AlohaUnitedWay.