About Aloha United Way
Serving the Hawaiʻi community for more than 100 years.
For over a century, Aloha United Way has helped build a healthier, stronger, and more equitable Hawaiʻi.
Today, we are an essential partner to our community, connecting individuals with the resources they need, raising funds for nonprofits on the front lines, and advocating for systemic change in Hawaiʻi.
Who We Are
Aloha United Way was founded in 1919 by Honolulu philanthropist Frank C. Atherton. Originally called the United Welfare Fund, the idea was to make philanthropy more efficient by combining fundraising efforts and distributing the money to multiple charities.
We’ve gone from raising $250,000 for 17 charities in that first year to distributing millions of dollars and partnering with more than 300 nonprofits today. And we’re still growing.
Our Mission:
To advance the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community by bringing together resources, organizations, and people.
What We Do
We fundraise. We advocate. We connect. At Aloha United Way, we focus on doing the work that empowers others to have the greatest possible impact in our community.
AUW Advocates for social change and shining a light on systemic community issues.
AUW Distributes funds and other resources to local nonprofits and community partners, where they can do the most good.
AUW Brings together people, organizations, policymakers, and resources to address the biggest challenges facing our community today.
AUW Partners with grassroots organizations to help them access new opportunities and expand their reach.
2024 AUW
Impact Stats
29,052
Residents served through AUW-funded programs statewide
51,576
Calls, texts, and chats received by the AUW 211Statewide Helpline
17,039,975
Meals served from keiki to kūpuna
38,923
Referrals made to community resources and services
4,997
individuals connected to homeless services, including 412 keiki experiencing homelessness
6,824
Participants improved job readiness skills
1,614
Participants increased their savings
920
Participants increased their income
Major Initiatives
Our programs empower donors to address our community’s most urgent needs.
Area of Greatest Need
AUW addresses Hawai‘i’s most pressing challenges by investing in local solutions that create lasting change.
211 Statewide Resource Helpline
Aloha United Way oversees 211, a free helpline that anyone can call to be directly connected with a database of more than 4,000 community resources.
ALICE Initiative
This initiative funds research and programs aimed at creating greater security and stability for individuals and families who are struggling financially despite being employed.
Safety Net Fund
Our Safety Net Fund directs money to crisis intervention and emergency response, supporting programs that are directly helping people most at risk of falling through the cracks.
HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
We couldn’t do it without you.
Through the support of generous donors, Aloha United Way has raised millions for our community. Help us continue the work with a donation or by getting involved.
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