Oni Foundation October Newsletter: Grants, Giving, and Growing Keiki Connections

(Keiki from the Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start program visiting our Wonderful World of Aloha Cultural Activity Center)

Aloha and welcome to the October edition of the Oni Foundation newsletter! We’re delighted to share exciting updates that highlight our ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich traditions of Hawai‘i.

Join us as we continue to nurture Hawaiian culture through hands-on experiences, youth engagement and meaningful collaborations that uplift local artists. Read on and discover how you can be part of this vibrant journey!

1. County of Maui Office of Economic Development Awards $64,000 Grant to Oni Foundation

Oni Foundation is proud to announce that the County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) has awarded our organization $64,000 in funding to support both our Community Enrichment Program and facility operations at the Wonderful World of Aloha Cultural Center.

This generous grant helps sustain our mission of connecting residents and visitors to the living culture of Hawai‘i through hands-on experiences in traditional arts, storytelling, and performance. The OED’s Community Enrichment Program provides critical assistance to organizations that strengthen Maui County’s communities, economy, and cultural vitality—goals that align perfectly with our own.

These funds will enable us to expand programming, support local artists, maintain our facilities, and continue creating accessible opportunities for cultural learning. As a grassroots nonprofit, we rely on grants and community contributions to ensure our programs remain open and inclusive for all ages.

We extend our heartfelt mahalo to the Office of Economic Development for their belief in our work and continued support of culture-based community development. Together, we’re ensuring that Maui’s living traditions continue to thrive and inspire future generations.

2. Join Us for Giving Tuesday 2025!

Oni Foundation is excited to announce our participation in Giving Tuesday 2025, a global day of generosity and community spirit. This national campaign culminates on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, when individuals around the world unite to support causes close to their hearts.

This year, we’ve set an ambitious goal of raising $25,000 by December 2nd to sustain our cultural programs, educational outreach, and youth engagement initiatives. The funds raised will help us continue offering hands-on arts experiences, preserving Hawaiian traditions, and supporting local artists who bring these stories to life.

Early supporters have already begun contributing, and we invite you to join them in making an impact. Every donation—large or small—helps nurture our mission of cultural preservation and community enrichment.

To contribute, visit our Zeffy fundraising page or donate on onifoundation.org. You can also share our campaign with friends and family to help us reach our goal.

Let’s come together this Giving Tuesday to celebrate generosity, culture, and aloha. Your support ensures that the stories, music, and dances of Hawai‘i continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.

3. World Indigenous Science Network Supports Wonderful World of Aloha

We are honored to share that the World Indigenous Science Network (WISN) has made a generous $10,000 donation to support operations at the Wonderful World of Aloha Cultural Center.

This Maui-based foundation has long been a valued ally in our efforts to celebrate and sustain indigenous knowledge systems through education, performance, and community engagement. Their continued partnership reaffirms the shared belief that culture and science together form the foundation for sustainable communities.

With WISN’s support, we can continue hosting programs that blend artistry and education, such as our live cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate the interconnectedness of all cultures. These funds help cover essential operational costs, ensuring that our doors remain open to both local residents and visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.

We extend our heartfelt mahalo to WISN for their ongoing belief in our mission and their commitment to advancing indigenous knowledge and cultural resilience. Together, we are creating a vibrant space where traditional wisdom thrives alongside contemporary innovation.

4. Keiki Head Start Visits Wonderful World of Aloha

Our team recently had the joy of welcoming another group of keiki from the Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start program for a day of learning, laughter, and cultural discovery.

The children began their visit by creating their own kukui nut bracelets, guided by our cultural educators. Afterward, they enjoyed a tour of the Wonderful World of Aloha Museum, followed by a lively scavenger hunt through our cultural exhibits and a fun dance session to end the day.

These visits are among the most rewarding parts of our work. Seeing the excitement and curiosity of young learners as they engage with Hawai‘i’s stories, arts, and traditions reminds us why we do what we do.

We extend our appreciation to MEO’s Head Start program for their ongoing partnership and for nurturing the next generation of Maui’s keiki. We look forward to many more visits and opportunities to share Hawai‘i’s colorful heritage with our island’s youngest explorers.

5. Seeking Cultural Practitioners and Volunteers

We’re excited to welcome cultural practitioners and enthusiastic volunteers to join our vibrant community. Whether you want to share your skills through teaching or support our events behind the scenes, there’s a place for you to get involved and grow with us. Explore the opportunities below and apply today!

Cultural Practitioners: We have space for you to share your knowledge by teaching classes and workshops related to music, dance, craft-making, storytelling, and more. Click here to learn more.

Volunteers: We are seeking general volunteers, photographers, writers, and additional roles. Perks include free access to classes and exclusive discounts on workshops, events and more. Apply by clicking here.