Nakupuna Foundation

For the Nakupuna Companies, federal contracting is about more than providing services, making a profit, or building a business—it’s about contributing to Native Hawaiian communities and helping preserve heritage.”   This article offers a glimpse into the role and responsibility of Native entities – Alaska Native Corporations (ANC), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), and Tribes – to their community. Creating a unique corporate culture where community development is a business strategy.   The Nakupuna Foundation awarded $11.2 million to Native Hawaiian organizations and other Hawaii-based programs, from 2015 to 2023. Diversifying its investments with short-, mid-, and long-term educational outcomes.   The article features Nakupuna Foundation Executive Director Lindsay Ah Loo, who shares her thoughts about the close relationship between our businesses and our mission to give back to our Native Hawaiian community.

We are thrilled to conclude our Wish for Wheels build and give campaign across the Nakupuna Companies' four offices, spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Hawai'i opened the events in April, followed by Colorado, and ending with Virginia and Pennsylvania (pictures here!).    In total, the Nakupuna Foundation donated 550 bikes to 6 elementary schools across those States, with the help of over 150 Nakupuna employees – our largest build and give campaign yet! We were thrilled to see such a great turnout, and want to extend a special thanks to the event organizers from both Nakupuna and Wish for Wheels.   It was truly inspiring to see the joy and excitement on the kids' faces as they rode off on their new bikes. The @nakupuna foundation is thankful for @wish for wheels' continued partnership and we look forward to spreading more joy in the future. 

Excited to celebrate Purple Maiʻa Foundation and its inaugural cohort of the Hiapo PeopleSoft program! This 16-week intensive course equipped participants with new PeopleSoft skills, opening doors to future employment in the STEM industries. The program graduates come from diverse backgrounds and are all hoping to re-enter the workforce or to boost their career opportunities.   Increasing employment in technical positions rooted in STEM is one of our goals, and the Nakupuna Foundation and Nakupuna Companies were able to contribute staff expertise, time, and financial support. We are thankful for our partnership with Purple Ma'ia over the last 8 years as we expand workforce opportunities in Hawai'i.   Ho'omaika'i to the graduates! We are excited to see where your futures lead and mahalo nui loa for letting us be a part of your story. "E lawe i ke a'o a mālama, a e 'oi mau ka na'auao. He who takes his teachings and applies them increases his knowledge." - Mary Kawena Pukui, 'Ōlelo No'eau No. 328. 

Ho‘omaika‘i ‘ana to the first cohort of the Purple Mai‘a PeopleSoft Development Program for completing their 16-week training! This talented group has been working hard to master the intricacies of PeopleSoft, and we are happy to see their dedication culminate in this great achievement! Throughout the program, these individuals have gained a strong foundation in PeopleSoft HCM and other skills that have set them on the course to master this vital ERP system. Nakupuna Companies had the pleasure of partnering with Purple Maiʻa Foundation to conceptualize and deliver this learning opportunity for individuals looking to expand their skills, specifically using PeopleSoft applications. We can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented group!

Our Denver team had an amazing time yesterday with our Nakupuna Foundation partner, Wish for Wheels, building and distributing nearly 100 brand new bikes and helmets to students in the Denver community. Wish for Wheels partners with corporations to give the gift of a brand new bike and helmet to second graders. By encouraging healthy habits at a young age, they have helped increase attendance and create a lifelong love of bikes for students in underserved communities. Thanks to everyone from the Denver team who was able to make it out and support this awesome event. Stay tuned, since we'll be hosting bike builds at several of our offices over the next few weeks. #nakupuna #nakupunafoundation #wishforwheels #kidsonbikes #bikesforkids #teambuilding #colorado #nonprofit #coloradononprofit #denverco #denver #makeanimpact #giveback #communitysupport

At Nakupuna, every March 26th is Founder's Day, where we take the time to honor the life and impact of the late Warren Nakupuna Ah Loo. Warren founded Na Aliʻi in 2003, sparking what would eventually grow to become the Nakupuna Companies and Nakupuna Foundation. Held each year on his birthday, Founder's Day honors Warren and his passion for helping others, most of all his fellow Native Hawaiians. His enduring vision has made Nakupuna into the amazing organization it is today, full of people who deliver outstanding solutions to our customers and immeasurable positive impact to the Native Hawaiian community. Birthday cake and refreshments were served at all Nakupuna offices over the past few days in honor of Warren and this wonderful occasion. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a bite of cake and to think about the amazing things Nakupuna continues to do in his memory. 

Sunday was our 6th annual Nakupuna La Hana (workday) at Loko Ea Fishpond in Haleiwa. This is wonderful event benefits our longtime partner Mālama Loko ea Foundation, whose stewardship of Loko Ea has developed the site into a thriving resource for education and community on Oʻahu's North Shore.   Our employees and their ʻohana spent the day clearing Loko Ea's 'auwai (channel) and weeding and planting watermelon in the garden. After working up an appetite, everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious lunch and each other's company.   We're already excited for next year. Mahalo to everyone who came out to help!

That's a wrap on #TechNet Indo Pacific 2023! Thanks to AFCEA Hawaii for hosting and to everyone who stopped by our booth to spin the Nakupuna Foundation partner wheel. This year, we raised $5,675 to give directly to some outstanding organizations who do amazing work for our communities. Thanks again to all those who stopped by the booth!

We're thrilled to be here at AFCEA Hawaii #TechNetIndoPacific 2023! Stop by our booth to say hello, and make sure to spin the wheel that sends a donation to one of our Nakupuna Foundation partners.

We are thrilled to be named one of Hawaii Business Magazine's Most Charitable Companies for 2023! Giving back is central to our identity as an organization, and the positive impact we've developed in our communities through the Nakupuna Foundation continues to motivate us to do our best work every single day.