About Aloha United Way
Serving the Hawaiʻi community for more than 100 years.
For over a century, Aloha United Way has helped build a healthier, stronger, and more equitable Hawaiʻi.
Today, we are an essential partner to our community, connecting individuals with the resources they need, raising funds for nonprofits on the front lines, and advocating for systemic change in Hawaiʻi.
Who We Are
Aloha United Way was founded in 1919 by Honolulu philanthropist Frank C. Atherton. Originally called the United Welfare Fund, the idea was to make philanthropy more efficient by combining fundraising efforts and distributing the money to multiple charities.
We’ve gone from raising $250,000 for 17 charities in that first year to distributing millions of dollars and partnering with more than 300 nonprofits today. And we’re still growing.
Our Mission:
To advance the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community by bringing together resources, organizations, and people.
What We Do
We fundraise. We advocate. We connect. At Aloha United Way, we focus on doing the work that empowers others to have the greatest possible impact in our community.
AUW Advocates for social change and shining a light on systemic community issues.
AUW Distributes funds and other resources to local nonprofits and community partners, where they can do the most good.
AUW Brings together people, organizations, policymakers, and resources to address the biggest challenges facing our community today.
AUW Partners with grassroots organizations to help them access new opportunities and expand their reach.
2023 AUW
Impact Stats
$12,000,000+
Funds raised for our local community & Partner Agencies
52,208
Requests to the AUW 211 Statewide Resource Helpline
1,877
Services & shelter for people experiencing homelessness
6,555,202
Pounds of food distributed to local families
319
Households supported with emergency rent & utility aid
274,393
Hot meals served
250+
Partner Agencies supported across Oʻahu
$200,000+
Raised by AUW Affinity Groups SYL & Women United
Major Initiatives
Our programs empower donors to address our community’s most urgent needs.
ALICE Initiative
This initiative funds research and programs aimed at creating greater security and stability for individuals and families who are struggling financially despite being employed.
Safety Net Fund
Our Safety Net Fund directs money to crisis intervention and emergency response, supporting programs that are directly helping people most at risk of falling through the cracks.
211 Statewide Resource Helpline
Aloha United Way oversees 211, a free helpline that anyone can call to be directly connected with a database of more than 4,000 community resources.
Community Care Fund
This fund is focused on our community’s biggest challenges. It supports nonprofits addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, investing in lasting solutions, not just temporary fixes.
HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
We couldn’t do it without you.
Through the support of generous donors, Aloha United Way has raised millions for our community. Help us continue the work with a donation or by getting involved.
GET SOCIAL