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Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation

EIN 47-5653259 · Kapaa, HI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceFair57 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation believes in sustainable agriculture and local food systems that promote a healthy environment and strong communities. Its mission is to build a supportive regenerative agricultural system where farmers can create sustainable, vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities across Hawaii.

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$954,673
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
9.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 93%
Employees
5
Highest pay
$110,440, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 17% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    3 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (8)
  1. $357,187 spent. Cultural & Indigenous Agricultural Initiative - Develop and strengthen the Kuia Agricultural Education Center in Lahaina that teaches Hawaiian cultural and agricultural practices to the West Maui community, including children, youth, and adults. The program envisions recreating the King's Ulu Forest in Kuia, making KAEC a vibrant oasis of Hawaiian culture, native and canoe plants, and a place for families to connect to their roots while increasing their own production and consumption of local foods. The long-term vision of this program is to see a revitalized Kuia moku through a combination of agricultural education, production, and reforestation of the landscapes.
  2. $145,392 spent. Capacity Growth - Capacity building for HFUF is done by hiring staff, developing programs, strategic planning, and promoting long-term financial growth and development. As the work of HFUF/HFU expands, it is vital to increase capacity to allow for continuity of work.
  3. $138,594 spent. The Healthy Soils program is an initiative to support and educate farmers in Hawaii on the importance of healthy soils, biodiversity, and regenerative farming practices. This is done through direct mentorship, technical assistance to farmers, and funding for the implementation of practices, necessary equipment, and infrastructure purchases.
  4. $92,515 spent. HFU Membership, Chapter Support, and Convention - Programmatic support for HFU educational programs, chapter and membership growth, and the annual convention. Support is given via small grants directly to HFU chapters and larger grants to support HFU outreach and educational initiatives.
  5. $89,503 spent. Maui Resiliency Response - In the aftermath of the Maui wildfires on October 8th, 2023, HFUF provided immediate emergency relief to Maui farmers and the Lahaina community. This included food, health supplies, housewares, and many other supplies. HFUF provided small grants to farmers impacted by the fires to support their recovery of equipment, plants, and supplies. In addition, HFUF has been a leader and involved in setting recovery strategies, especially in reducing the risk of future fires through improved land practices such as agroforestry and pasture management. Maui Resiliency is an ongoing initiative to foster awareness around fire mitigation practices, direct funding support to farmers to bolster production and resiliency for future natural disasters, and provide educational opportunities for farmers and the community. Maui's long-term resiliency is the key driver of this program, and all funds are used to provide future community resiliency.
  6. $36,514 spent. Farmers Market - Direct support for farmers' markets and food hubs by fiscal sponsorship, grants, and funding support.
  7. $9,700 spent. Education & Training - This program is focused on providing educational workshops and training for Hawaii farmers, Hawaii Farmers Union membership, and staff.
  8. $7,530 spent. The Policy Advocacy program is aimed at educating farmers in Hawaii on policy initiatives, understanding the legislative process, grassroots communications to empower farmers' needs, and supporting bills through testimony and community partner liaisons.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2016.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.