HILO, Hawaii – Hawaii First Community Ventures, operator of the Community Resources Centers in Hilo and Kamuela, received two FLEX Grants totaling $18,000 from the Hawaii Community Foundation. The funds will be used for operational support with plans to enhance the center’s free tax planning and financial education programs.
The CRCs are financially supported by Hawaii First Federal Credit Union with assistance from Hawaii Island United Way and previous grants from HCF. FLEX Grants provide unrestricted support to organizations that exemplify the best practices of high-performing nonprofits.
“With these grants, we will be able to expand our staff and expand services, such as bringing financial education workshops to other parts of the community and on the weekends.” said Laura Aguirre, the president and CEO of Hawaii First.
The FLEX Grants are being funded by the East Hawaii Fund to support programs in East Hawaii, from Waipio Valley to Waiohinu, and the Richard Smart Fund, supporting projects in Waimea.
Through the CRCs, Hawaii First provides free financial/homeownership counseling, job seeking assistance, small business development, financial education/homebuyer workshops, foreclosure prevention assistance, free income tax preparation and business services. Hawaii First has strategic partnership with the Hawaii Island United Way, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii at Hilo Applied Learning Experience department, Hawaii Community College and Alu Alike Inc.