Faces of Philanthropy 2006 Summer

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Faces of

Philanthropy Summer 2006

Quarterly News from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Learning by Giving OUR MISSION We help people make a difference by inspiring the spirit of giving and by investing in people and solutions to benefit every island community.

The Group 70 Foundation was created in 2002 by individuals of Group 70 International who wanted to expand their commitment to building better communities in Hawai‘i beyond their firm’s professional services. Through this foundation, employees are offered a unique opportunity to create a legacy of giving together for the greater good within a corporate setting. Taking the lead in transforming their vision into reality were Chairman and CEO Francis Oda, Chief Community Planner George Atta and Architect Dennis Kamae. The foundation is now headed by Chair Cami Kloster, Vice Chair Kim Evans, Treasurer Scott Tangonan, Secretary Theresa Ae‘a and Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) Liaison Jim Nishimoto, President of Group 70 International. While there are many ways for the Group 70 Foundation to express the values of giving, the primary vehicle is through a donor advised fund at HCF. “As employees, it was important for us to know that we could do something immediately,” said Kim Evans, planner and vicechair of the Group 70 Foundation. “Through this fund, we were able to create a legacy in-house that’s a testament to giving. Our staff members who choose to contribute can do so not only by donating to the fund, but they also have the opportunity to lead and participate in the grantmaking process.” Employee donors to the fund work with HCF every year to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) that reflects their particular interests in creating a better living environment in Hawai‘i and building sustainability in our communities. HCF issues the RFP and reviews proposals to

ensure they fit the criteria of the fund. Based on this process and recommendations by Group 70 employee donors, grants are made in their five areas of interest: culture, education, design, housing and environment. “The benefits of giving back through the fund are enormous,” said Evans. “Participating in the grants selection process helps us better understand the needs of the community. It also allows us to set an example amongst our industry colleagues and create innovative movements.” Grants distributed this year include one to Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona for students to create models of future community development, another to Honolulu Habitat for Humanity to provide environmentally friendly housing solutions for O‘ahu’s families in need and one to the Waik-ık-ı Health Center to help its homeless clients transition out of homelessness. The grantmaking process culminates every year with a joint celebration between that year’s recipients and the firm’s staff. “It’s truly a remarkable time for our employees and grantees,” said Evans. “Grantees are able to expand their network of resources by meeting each other and we learn more about our community and have the wonderful opportunity to share in the spirit of giving.” For more information about the Group 70 Foundation, visit www. group70foundation.org If you are interested in establishing a Corporate Donor Advised Fund, contact Kalei Stern at kstern@hcf-hawaii.org or at 808-566-5505. A Group 70 International Foundation beneficiary: Honolulu Habitat for Humanity

For more information on connecting with a cause that you care about, please contact HCF’s Donor Services department at (808) 566-5560 (toll-free at 1-888-731-3863) or email donorservices@hcf-hawaii.org

www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org


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