Oni Foundation 2025 Year-End Letter: Empowering Youth and Cultural Traditions on Maui

ʻAumakua Productions dancers performing during our summer fundraiser held in the Maui Beach Hotel.

Dear Friend of the Oni Foundation,

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared in celebrating and safeguarding the vibrant, multi-ethnic heritage of Hawaiʻi. Here at the Wonderful World of Aloha Center, we are not just hosting events—we are investing in curated, respectful experiences that safeguard our community’s culture, history and arts and bridge the gap between residents and visitors.

This past year, thanks to supporters like you, the Oni Foundation has achieved significant milestones:

• We secured a crucial $64,000 grant from the Office of Economic Development that provided daily operational stability.

  
  

• We successfully launched our flagship Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program, mentoring young people to become the next generation of cultural leaders by teaching them to proudly share our stories and traditions.

  
  

• We brought in over $125,000 in other income to-date for 2025, showing the strength of our community and the demand for authentic cultural education.

Because we are a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, your year-end gift to the Oni Foundation is 100% tax-deductible for the 2025 tax year (when made by Dec. 31). Please consult your tax professional for specific advice.

This momentum is a testament to the power of our mission: To Perpetuate the Multicultural Heritage of Hawaiʻi Through Dance and Arts. Our work is vital to ensuring that the unique oni-foundation-2025-year-end-letter-empowering-youth-and-cultural-traditions-on-mauiinfluences of Native Hawaiian, Polynesian, Asian and Western cultures are not only seen but truly experienced.

Our Challenge and Opportunity

While our progress has been strong, the day-to-day work of cultural preservation requires consistent support. Our current need is focused on the foundational 'nuts and bolts necessities' that keep our 4,300-square-foot facility running and allow us to grow our youth programs.

For the next year, we are aiming to secure at least $100,000 in grants for ongoing operations and to expand the Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program.

Your year-end gift can directly fuel these critical areas:

• $50 provides crafting materials for one hands-on workshop, connecting a visitor or local child to the artistry of the islands.

• $500 sponsors a Youth Cultural Ambassador for one month of mentorship in moʻolelo and respectful cultural sharing.

• $1,200 covers the prorated rent and utilities for one week, keeping the doors of the Aloha Center open as a key cultural hub.

The Oni Foundation is dedicated to Cultural Resilience, Youth Development, and Responsible Tourism. Your donation is an investment in Maui’s future, providing economic opportunities for local artisans and performers, and enriching the cultural fabric of our community.

Will you make a meaningful contribution today to help us meet our $100,000 goal and ensure the Wonderful World of Aloha Center thrives?

Mahalo nui loa for your continued partnership and aloha.

With sincere gratitude,

Keoni Manuel, David Whitney, and Kuʻulei Pridgen The Oni Foundation Leadership Team

P.S. Help us raise $100,000 to keep our doors open and expand the Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program. Every dollar ensures that the authentic stories and traditions of our diverse people continue to be shared respectfully and professionally at the heart of Hawaiʻi. You can donate quickly and securely at onifoundation.org