Maui Pono Foundation is an organization founded by Lahaina families who are deeply rooted in the town. Their mission is to use their unique ties to the community to recognize and provide immediate relief as well as support for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Maui Pono’s leadership is also in close communication with us and has given us a chance to designate some funds to help restore Lahaina’s art community. We look forward to keeping you updated on the efforts funded by the auction!

You can donate directly to Maui Pono through the link above.

Auction proceeds will get to Maui Pono from the BetterWorld auction platform, which is hosting the auction. While Maui Pono waits for confirmation of its 501(c)(3) status, they elected to work through a fiscal sponsor nonprofit (the Christian Ministry Alliance) so that they can go ahead and start getting help to Lahaina.

During the first days following any tragedy, people want to make donations to help as quickly as possible, yet still be able to have their donations be tax deductible. In order to respond as quickly as needed, the Maui Pono Foundation has partnered with an already established non-profit (501c3), which is called the “fiscal sponsor”. While waiting for their own 501c3 designation, having a fiscal sponsor allows the Maui Pono Foundation to get much needed funds to the victims of this disaster immediately.

Since the sponsor is already a 501c3, they make no profit from this role and pass on all donations, less a very small fee to pay for their administrative costs.

When you make your donation to Maui Pono Foundation, your gift will flow directly to Maui Fire victims, and you will receive a receipt from the fiscal sponsor making your donation immediately eligible for a charitable tax deduction.

Note that while direct donations are eligible for a tax deduction, winning auction bids are not because the bidder receives a painting in exchange for their donation.

Funds will go to support the restoration of families impacted by the fire and help them keep their small businesses afloat.

We are also working with Maui Pono’s leadership to designate funds for efforts that will enable artists to keep working in West Maui and play a key role in healing Lahaina families.

If you want to learn more about Maui Pono Foundation, please visit their website.