Lokahi the Ukulele Collective
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
LOKAHI is a non-profit effort bringing together passionate individuals from schools, the music industry, nonprofits, and the broader communityto transform music education. We believe that students, no matter their location or circumstances, deserve access to a high-quality musiceducation during the school day. We connect educators, technology and artists so all students, everywhere, can benefit from culturally-relevantmusic learning. We build school-based interdisciplinary and culturally relevant music programs that are scalable and sustainable. Our goal is to engage a largenumber of students, providing a way for them to learn both in the classroom and on their own anytime. Our approach centers on kumu(educators) and equips them with technology, tools, and training to amplify their impact. Together, we eliminate barriers to access, so allstudents can experience the social-emotional, motor and cognitive advantages that music provides.
- Income
- $57,206
- Spending
- $49,094
- Reserves
- 2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 (1)
- $16,723 spent. Lokahi: The Ukulele Collective empowers teachers to integrate ukulele-based music education into the regular school day across Hawai'i. In 2025, its first full year of operations, Lokahi delivered programming across four core areas:Teacher Professional DevelopmentLokahi launched its first year-long HIDOE professional development program in 2025, enrolling 50 teachers across two cohorts with initial workshops delivered in July and October. Program completion is expected in 2026. In addition, Lokahi delivered a virtual Introduction to Ukulele & Lyric Writing workshop to approximately 90 registered teachers (70 final attendees) in partnership with HIDOE, and facilitated in-person workshop sessions reaching approximately 30 additional teachers at professional conferences.Ho'olokahi Lyrics Writing ChallengeLokahi completed its inaugural Ho'olokahi Lyrics Writing Challenge (SY 202425), a statewide student songwriting program in which students write original lyrics to a shared ukulele melody. Approximately 900 students from 33 schools across four islands O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i Island participated. As a culminating celebration, award-winning Hawai'i artist Paula Fuga visited the winning classroom, bringing the songwriting experience to life for students.Hawaiian Artist Song LibraryLokahi released four collaboratively developed songs for classroom use in 2025. Each lesson is created in close collaboration with the featured artist and includes a behind-the-scenes artist interview and a play-along video with the artist. Three original compositions "Country Road," "Lilikoi, and Just a Little Bit" were written by Paula Fuga under license to Lokahi for educational use. A fourth song, "The Aloha Chant," was developed in collaboration with the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation and Myrna Kamae, with the blessing of the estate of the late Hawaiian musician Eddie Kamae. Lokahi also began development of a Hawaiian Song Toolkit an evolving classroom resource featuring traditional Hawaiian music with chords, lyrics, and play-along videos designed to support teachers in introducing culturally relevant music into their classrooms.Artist Partnerships & Community EngagementLokahi established an artist partnership with Jack Johnson, who created a video message to inspire student songwriters participating in the Ho'olokahi Challenge. This model is now being used as a framework to engage additional artists in supporting student creativity across Hawai'i. Lokahi also hosted the 1st Annual Lokahi Play Along in May 2025, a community celebration bringing together students, teachers, and partners to showcase the year's musical accomplishments.We accomplished all this amazing work, in part, due to the generous donation of approximately 3000 hours of time and additional services by Servco Pacific.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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 October 13, 2026.
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 October 13, 2026.
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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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 21, 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.