Foundation gives 5 grants to develop assistance programs

Five local nonprofit groups have received grants totaling $427,920 from the Hawaii Community Foundation.

The grants are part of the Island Innovation Fund, which was established in 2010 as part of a $50 million commitment from Honolulu residents Pam and Pierre Omidyar to the Hawaii Community Foundation. Pierre Omidyar is the founder and chairman of eBay, an online auction site.

The Island Innovation Fund has awarded more than $1.3 million to 15 organizations in the past two years.

The five most recent grants went to:

» SpendSafe.ly — The Consuelo Foundation will expand the SpendSafe.ly computer software application to help individuals make informed financial decisions and meet their savings goals.

» Green Wheel Food Hub — Feed the Hunger Foundation will oversee Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) adoption in at least five farmers markets on Oahu, increasing the accessibility of fresh, local produce to families in need.

» Hawai’i Open Data will work in partnership with city and state government for open access to data that feeds the creation of online and mobile apps, civic startups and citizen engagement.

» HELE 2 Work – Institute for Human Services will increase its community service and employer partnerships for its workforce development program, HELE 2 Work, which focuses on overcoming homelessness thorough civic engagement, social networking, and job skills and work ethic training. The expanded program aims to triple the number of shelter residents getting permanent employment.

» WE – A Hui for Health will link information gathered at health screenings to medical care providers to better coordinate preventive treatment for hard-to-reach populations. WE is a coalition dedicated to building and enhancing the community by addressing access to medical care in a timely and culturally competent way.