More than $43M in donations from 44 countries has poured into Maui Strong Fund so far

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - If an event is raising money for Maui wildfire relief, the donation is likely being handled by Oahu-based non-profit Hawaii Community Foundation.

From the Made in Hawaii Festival to the Wiwoole and Maui Ola benefit concerts to donations from foreign entities like South Korea and Taiwan, HCF is managing more than $43 million — and counting — in donations through its Maui Strong Fund.

So far, it’s received 180,000 separate contributions from 44 countries.

Micah Kane, president and CEO of Hawaii Community Foundation, joined HNN’s Sunrise Weekends to talk about the group’s efforts.

Kane said the fund was created the night of the wildfire, and by the next morning had $1 million.

As of Aug. 17, $5 million in grants have been awarded to 42 partners on Maui providing a wide range of important services including basic goods, medical providers, shelter and housing.

“The organizations we work with, we know their leadership, we understand their governance. They are organizations in good standing with the IRS and they are tested,” Kane added.

To donate, visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.

To see the list of awardees, including dollar amounts per grant, visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund.

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