The Makana Aloha Foundation
Makana Aloha Foundation is a private family foundation serving the Maui community. The website lists founders and Executive Director Jami Burks, provides grant history by year and downloadable application/LOI/worksheet PDFs, and shows a PO Box in Kailua and an email contact.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized Hawaii nonprofits (especially Maui-based) working in education, arts/culture, youth development, disaster recovery, environmental stewardship, or community services that seek unrestricted or program operating support in the $2K–$40K range.
Good Fit
- • Primary program delivery on Maui or clear benefit to Maui residents.
- • Requests for operating support, scholarships, arts projects, youth programs, or wildfire recovery services.
- • Ability to submit a concise letter of inquiry and program budget worksheet.
- • Willingness to accept rolling deadlines and to use email or mailed LOI submission.
Geography
Observed giving is geographically narrow: in the latest year 100% of grant dollars and all recipients were located in the foundation's home state of Hawaii, focused on Maui communities.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 20 grants to 16 distinct recipients with a mix of returning and new organizations, indicating a relatively broad and diverse local recipient set for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness exists: the website provides LOI/application PDFs, a named contact with email and mailing address accepts submissions on a rolling basis, and seven new recipients appeared in the latest year, suggesting unfamiliar applicants can enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
