Giving in the Workplace – Inspiring Transformation and Purpose | The G70 Foundation
Everyone knows the quote “if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. In the same light, ask employees to give, and you’ll see some disparate, one-off, and occasional transactions – but empower employees to learn, connect, and give to causes/initiatives that inspire them, and you develop a team to champion your company’s community involvement.
In 2002, the G70 Foundation was created to be a pathway to connect G70 employees with local community organizations focused on “creating strong compassionate and resilient communities”, as a testimony of the values of generosity, civic duty, and embodying a legacy of giving.
“The G70 Foundation was created by individuals of G70 who wanted to demonstrate their commitment to building better communities in Hawai‘i beyond our firm’s professional services,” said Cami Kloster, senior planner and associate at G70 who oversees the G70 Foundation. “Through the Foundation, employees are offered a unique opportunity to create a legacy of giving together in the workplace. We’re honored to help perpetuate the sharing of knowledge, resources and kindness to which these deserving organizations are committed.”
The Donor Advised fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation allows employee donors to review proposals from community organizations, make recommendations, and select grant recipients. Providing a direct way for employees to participate in the selection of awardees, and in the process, learn more about the initiatives in the community, with hope that it inspires them to get involved outside the office setting.
Nā Mamo o Kāwa continues their community-wide efforts to restore the Kāwā dry agro-forest, coastal and fishpond ecosystems. They have successfully stewarded the access points, roads, trails, freshwater springs, recreational sites, and cultural sites in the area since 2012. | Photos: courtesy of the G70 Foundation & Nā Mamo o Kāwa
Since its inception, the G70 Foundation has donated more than $800,000 in funds to nonprofit groups statewide that have dedicated their mission to improving communities in Hawai‘i through design, education, culture, environmental sustainability, and community development. Past year’s recipients note that this support has made an impact on the community and given recipients opportunities to further their services.
“Peanut Butter Ministry has served dinners to the needy twice weekly for 37 years with the motto ‘We share because we care,’ said Barbara Meguro of Hilo United Methodist Church. “The program depends entirely on volunteers, donations, and grants to serve over 9,500 dinners each year in downtown Hilo. We couldn’t do this without people like you who help us. Thank you for the wonderful G70 Foundation grant we received that will serve about 500 meals!”
“Aloha Harvest is honored to be the recipient of a grant from the G70 Foundation,” said Ku‘ulei Williams, Executive Director, Aloha Harvest. “With this financial support, Aloha Harvest will be able to rescue more food and provide more meals to feed those in need through our partner agencies. Mahalo for sharing our passion and providing the means to continue this important work.”
The Hui Mālama o ke Kai Foundation was created as a grass-roots effort in 1998 by volunteer community members of Waimānalo and offers programs rooted in culture, outdoor & ocean education, community service and academic assistance in addition to family and community strengthening activities. | Photo: courtesy of the G70 Foundation & Hui Mālama o ke Kai Foundation
“With sincerest humility and gratefulness and on behalf of the Hui Mālama O Ke Kai Foundation, I would like to personally thank G70 employees for their support of the Hui Mālama O Ke Kai after-school youth development and family strengthening programs,” said Kathy Morris, Executive Director, Hui Mālama O Ke Kai Foundation. “The G70 Foundation donation will be used to help ensure that vital HMK programs services continue within the community of Waimānalo, and we are so very grateful for this new partnership.”
In the end, the most important benefit of community giving is knowing that when we give ourselves, we embrace a meaning larger than our individuality. The future of our community is up to all of us – by reflecting on how each of us can kokua, we can continue to nurture our sense of responsibility for one another.
For more information of the G70 Foundation please visit www.g70foundation.design.
G70
111 S. King Street, Suite 170
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813
(808) 523-5866
https://g70.design
