For the average person, philanthropy can take many forms — from taking part in a charity car wash to donating personal items to The Salvation Army to a cash gift for a nonprofit organization. But for donors like Kauai-boy-made-good Wayne
For the average person, philanthropy can take many forms — from taking part in a charity car wash to donating personal items to The Salvation Army to a cash gift for a nonprofit organization.
But for donors like Kauai-boy-made-good Wayne Rapozo who want to do more than cut a few checks but aren’t about to start their own charitable organizations like Bill and Melinda Gates, Hawai‘i Community Foundation provides a happy medium.
The foundation administers a fund in Rapozo’s name, the Rapozo Kama‘aina Fund, which gives grants to Kaua‘i groups that emphasize cultural celebration, stewardship of the land, economic self-sufficiency or education. In a word, he aims to keep Kauai’s cultural legacy alive by helping people who make that their mission.
“You don’t need a kama‘aina history book to learn about culture on Kaua‘i,” he said. “You can drive around and see it.”
Rapozo, who grew up on the Westside but now practices law in Europe, recently distributed grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 to six local groups. His fund, now in its sophomore year, is one of 17 at the foundation established for Kaua‘i-based programs and initiatives, which reflects a relatively new direction for Hawai‘i Community Foundation in its 90-year history.
According to HCF Philanthropic Services Officer Darcie Yukimura, the organization has been expanding its Garden Isle focus over the past decade.
Another trend: the decline of legacy and will gifts
“We’re seeing more donors establish funds while they’re alive when they can direct them,” said Charlie King, chair of the Kaua‘i Leadership Council, which guides the foundation.
For donors like Rapozo, philanthropy is an ongoing process that changes and grows. And the foundation gives his efforts a broader reach — and pulls his mission into focus.
“They have a comprehensive view that is something one person cannot do on their own,” he said.
In addition to a lot of the legwork, the foundation offers an understanding of the community and its needs, and discipline to ensure that funds are used well
“Our greatest goal is to have our donors have a good philanthropic experience,” Yukimura said. “Most people want to see the impact of their money.”
The foundation, which got its start in 1918, is a steward to more than 450 funds established by individuals, families and businesses ranging in amount and theme. It contributes $34 million in community grants and $4 million in scholarships annually.
In addition to managing the administrative side of each fund, Hawai‘i Community Foundation staff help connect donors with recipients as well as fine-tune the mission of each fund.
“I see a lot of donors trying to verbalize wanting to keep the aloha in Kaua‘i,” Yukimura said.
Other popular themes are environmental, academic scholarships, as well as child welfare- and Hawaiian culture-related.
“Behind every donation is a story,” she said.
As for Rapozo, who has come full circle from an HCF scholarship recipient as a student to donor as an adult, he plans to continue the gifting process over the years.
For more information, visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org or call the Kaua‘i office at 245-4585.
• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
