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No major university can grow and excel without a healthy mix of public and private funds. Private contributions leverage public funds and maximize taxpayer dollars. Through partnering with philanthropic investors, our university can sustain excellence and enhance the student experience, making our campuses learning destinations of choice.

Many of the donors who give major gifts to the University of Hawaiʻi do so to support a program, school, or area of study that they believe in. Without exception, their gift has a major impact on our students, faculty and campus community as a whole.

Furloughed airport barista stays connected to schoolwork

Shubert was furloughed from his job as a barista at the airport.  The first-year IT student wasn't sure how he would pay his bills, but the UH Emergency Student Relief Fund is a "major help, and couldn't have come at a better time," helping him stay connected to his classes and stay on track for graduation in a year.

"We would have struggled immensely ... Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo."

Learning support from Kauaʻi Community College's Waiʻaleʻale Program helps Leticia stay focused on schoolwork now that classes are conducted online.  Financial support from you helps her stick to her goal of being the first college graduate in her family.

"I have a brighter future thanks to you."

Kevin had been doing his assigments in the computer lab at Leeward CC, but with campus life altered, he must work from home on a used laptop with an unreliable battery.  Your gift means he can purchase headphones and a new battery for the laptop as he gets ready to transfer to Kapiʻolani CC in the fall semester.

Single parenthood isn't easy

Single parenting isn't easy, but your support helps Chilliam maintain her home life while she pursues her dream of helping others as a mental health counselor.  She says, "I want to give back to my community."

"This is not going to stop me from fulfilling my dream."

Chelsea was laid off from her job working with autistic children as a registered behavior technician.  The human services student at Honolulu Community College ran into Hawaiʻi’s overwhelmed unemployment insurance system, but UH emergency relief was a blessing.  "It's been a rough ride," she says, "but I'm taking this journey as a learning experience."

30 days 'til Anela graduates, thanks to you

Generous donors enabled Anela to keep her wifi going after she was laid off from her part-time job.  Now she is able to focus on her nursing coursework, so she can graduate this semester and help her community.

Puppy's mommy can't wait for return to work

Going to work and interacting with my coworkers and customers is something I truly cherish. Work was my second home.

Aid helps Danielle stay connected to classes

As a student, I rely on my employer income to pay for student services. Like many other students, I do not have access to much financial assistance, so I am applying for all kinds of jobs.

Bruce is in Honolulu; his belongings are in China

I have lost most of my belongings and the deposit and rent money that I can’t get back. I feel dislocated, staying on couches, very transient and with a lot of stress. There is no clarity around when I can return to China to complete my degree (so I don't know if I should look for a place here).