In the two years since the August 2023 Maui wildfires, the Maui Strong Fund has received more than $209 million in contributions and interest from more than 240,000 donors across 78 countries.

Those figures are from Hawai’i Community Foundation’s two-year impact report on the Maui Strong Fund. The report reflects on the progress made while adding that many challenges remain.

To date, more than $140 million has been awarded or committed to more than 200 local organizations and community-led initiatives, with more than 90% of funds going to Maui-based or statewide partners with a strong Maui presence.

According to the foundation, the Maui Strong Fund has evolved from rapid relief to long-term recovery, investing in housing, mental health, community wellbeing, youth programs, natural resource restoration, and navigation services that connect residents with critical support.

Among its biggest milestones, the organization has raised $82.8 million for housing, creating hundreds of interim homes, restoring stability for thousands of families and supporting permanent housing solutions in partnership with public and private sectors.

The organization also reported that $6.1 million has gone to support mental health with 53 grantees delivering culturally grounded and clinically sound care, from counseling and art therapy to peer support and traditional healing.

The organization also made investments in workforce development, youth leadership, environmental restoration and navigation programs that help survivors access resources and plan their future.

“Recovery is still unfolding, it is ongoing, deeply personal, and shaped by the strength of those determined to rebuild,” said Keanu Lau Hee, senior director of the community foundation’s Maui recovery effort. “We believe in the leadership of Maui’s people and in a future that honors what was lost. There is still work to do, but together, we are moving forward with aloha, purpose, and each other.”

The Maui Strong impact report also highlighted the role of philanthropy in complementing public recovery funding, acting quickly, filling gaps and finding creative solutions to address community priorities.

As recovery moves into its next phase, the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s focus will remain on long-term systems change, prioritizing affordable housing, economic revitalization, disaster resilience, and protecting the cultural heritage.

The full report is available at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund.