Helping our community thrive is not just good for business but good for the heart as well, and especially top-of-mind during the holidays. Employers and their employees in Hawaii make donations and even participate in events like charity runs to benefit organizations as part of their social responsibility programs. They also contribute to charitable organizations on behalf of their employees. In addition to the positive contribution, a gift of time or money help charities as well.

Bishop & Company puts giving into practice and was proud to be recognized as one of Hawaii’s most charitable companies by Hawaii Business Magazine. Company founder Judy Bishop sits on the Board of Women’s Fund Hawaii, and its mission to empower women and girls statewide is a project near to Judy’s heart.

Individual employees can contribute to organizations that they resonate with, through their work and through private affiliations such as clubs and churches. We hope this list of Hawaii charities and social organizations inspires you as much as it does us.

1. Women’s Fund Hawaii

The mission of Women’s Fund of Hawaii is to support innovative, grassroots programs that empower women and girls statewide. The Fund provides information and education on women’s and girls’ philanthropy and shines a light on women’s and girls’ issues.

2. YWCA Oahu

Founded in 1900, YWCA O‘ahu serves more than 4,000 women and girls and is the largest and oldest women’s organization in Hawai‘i. Their mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Programs like Dress for Success provide professional attire, career counseling, and interview coaching, helping women realize their full career potential.

3. Make-a-Wish Hawaii

Make-a-Wish Hawaii’s mission is to grant the wish of every child with a life-threatening medical condition like cancer. Make-a-Wish Hawaii has helped make wishes come true for many children throughout the islands who must undergo cancer treatment. It also helps children with disabilities.

4. Hawaii Foodbank

The Hawaii Foodbank hands out more than 12.5 million pounds of food from its warehouses each year. Companies hold food drives throughout the year asking people to donate non-perishable goods. This is especially important during the holiday season and employees are always happy to contribute food during a special seasonal drive.

5. Project Hawai’i Inc

This organization works with children and the homeless on Oahu and other islands. Project Hawai’i also provides access to emergency healthcare for people, especially children.

6. Ku Aloha Ola Mau

The prevention and treatment for addiction is the foundation of Ku Aloha Ola Mau. The organization helps more than 300 people at any time with outreach programs to work with those who may not be able to afford professional treatment.

7. Institute for Human Services

The IHS, Institute for Human Services, is the oldest agency that works exclusively to prevent and end homelessness on the islands. It is located in Honolulu and it has found homes, shelters, and jobs for thousands of people.

8. Hawaii Community Foundation

This is an umbrella organization that works with other groups to help children at risk and the homeless. The Hawaii Community Foundation also distributes grants and scholarships and it supports educational organizations.

9. Special Olympics Hawaii

This organization has served more than 4,700 athletes with disabilities since it was founded in 1968. Special Olympics Hawaii accepts donations and volunteers. Several corporations offer matching funds for donations. You can also donate air miles on Hawaiian Airlines since the athletes often travel to the mainland for competition.

10. Honolulu Theatre for Youth

This is a professional theatre designed for young people throughout the islands. The Honolulu Theatre for Youth offers six productions adapted from children’s literature each year targeted to different age groups. The organization was found in 1955 and it is one of the oldest children’s theatre groups in the country.

Give to Even More Charities

These are only a few of the many charitable organizations that accept donations all year, but they are especially appreciated during the holiday season. Contact us to learn more.

Job hunting during the holiday season? Check out this blog post.

“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.” —Proverb