Women's Fund of Hawaii Appeal Raises 3x Goal With ASB Help

Announces Next Grant Cycle

(Honolulu) — With the help of a $10,000 matching challenge grant from American Savings Bank, Women's Fund of Hawaii (WFH) raised three times more than its goal of $10,000 for its 2010 annual appeal. The total raised was $41,285, with $31,285 raised from the community in gifts from individuals, donor advised funds, other companies and foundations.

"These funds are critical to support our grant making and operations. We are extraordinarily grateful to American Savings Bank for their championship of women and for the support of the community. It really demonstrates that our community recognizes the importance of programs that assist women and children. Because of this support, Women's Fund of Hawaii was able to make grants to help women and children thrive," said WFH board chair, Chenoa Farnsworth.

"Congratulations to Women's Fund of Hawaii on exceeding the fundraising goal for their 2010 annual appeal. American Savings Bank is proud to support their efforts to serve women and girls in need," said Beth Whitehead, American Savings Bank executive vice president and chief administrative officer. "Our core values include Caring and Being Involved to make a positive difference for our customers, employees and communities. Through this outreach, we have the opportunity to change many lives for the better."

WFH is now accepting applications for its Spring 2011 cycle. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 1. Grant information can be found at http://www.womensfundhawaii.org.

WFH made a total of $37,500 grants in its fall/winter 2010 cycle as follows:

$5,000 to the Domestic Violence Action Center for bus passes for women escaping from domestic violence

$2,500 to the Hawaii Friends of Justice and Civic Education, made in cooperation with the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, for a pilot re-entry program for women in prison.

$2,500 to Hilo Intermediate School for an after-school robotics program for native Hawaiian and Micronesian girls.

$5,000 to Ka Hale Pomaikai in Molokai for an entrepreneurial gardening program to help women recovering from addiction rebuild their lives.

$5,000 to Mental Health of Hawaii, made in cooperation with Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, for a theatre project with Hawaii Girls Court to promote self-reflection, change and problem-solving.

$5,000 to the Micronesian Sexual Violence Prevention Leadership Team, a grassroots culturally sensitive effort to stem sexual violence in this community.

$2,500 to the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery to stop human trafficking in Hawaii.

$5,000 to the Windward Spouse Abuse Center, made in cooperation with Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, for women and children on O‘ahu who are transitioning from Hale Ola with security deposits, cab fare, bus passes and childcare.

$5,000 to Women in Need to purchase computer systems, software and networking cables for a self-sufficiency program.

About American Savings Bank: Serving Hawaii's businesses and communities for 85 years, American Savings Bank provides a full range of financial products and services, including commercial and consumer banking, insurance and investments. For more information, visit www.asbhawaii.com.

Women's Fund of Hawai'i is a grant-making organization that focuses on making lasting social change through empowering women and girls in Hawaii. Grants from Women's Fund of Hawai'i address issues such as financial security, safety, self-esteem, adolescent pregnancy, physical and mental health, substance abuse, prostitution, incarceration, immigration status, sexual orientation, inadequate childcare and sports inequalities.

For information on how to apply for grants or join Women's Fund of Hawaii in its community efforts, please call 954-9653, visit www.womensfundhawaii.org, or email ed@womensfundhawaii.org.