Aloha United Way recently took over the Kukulu Switchboard, a statewide online resourcing platform that was created in April 2020 to connect resources with community needs.
Founding organizations Hawaii Investment Ready, Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations and the Next Gen Donor Hui sought to build this tech tool “to facilitate rapid, responsive and more equitable sharing of resources for Hawaii,” according to AUW officials.
“We are honored to be the new home for Kukulu Switchboard. As long-time users, our team knew its impact, especially in responding to rapidly emerging needs," said AUW COO Suzanne Skjold in a statement.
Click here to join the Kukulu Switchboard.
There are currently more than 1,000 active users on the site, including philanthropic organizations, individual donors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community networks and government entities that are encouraged to, “Ask for what you need. Offer what you have.”
“It is unique because it is explicitly designed to serve as a place where community-led efforts can find support that traditional giving channels may not reach,” AUW officials noted.
AUW officials added, “This community-focused resource will continue to grow to support the needs of small and larger nonprofit programs and community-based efforts, as well as connect foundations and individual donors to opportunities for sharing resources, building new relationships and learning about community efforts.”
Areas of impact include, but are not limited to, education, aina, food systems and economic recovery. Aloha United Way recently introduced a "Maui Relief" option to help community members identify needs and resources specific to Maui recovery efforts.
“Kukulu Switchboard really complements AUW's existing 211 services and community responses, and will expand AUW['s] ability to effectively match quality, in-kind donations to those able to benefit,” said Kayla Keehu-Alexander, vice president of community impact at AUW, in a statement. “As we welcome Kukulu Switchboard to its new home at AUW, our hope is to connect new donors with trusted nonprofit partner agencies and the existing Kukulu community in meaningful ways and bring more resources and offers to the work ahead.”
