Staying Maka’ala – PIDF Public Statement on Federal Funding Freeze March 12, 2025

Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) is monitoring the recent Executive Order temporarily freezing federal financial assistance programs. This action could potentially affect critical services for Hawai’i’s families, particularly in Native Hawaiian communities. 

A large share (72%) of PIDF funding comes from Federal funds. The freeze could impact services in 45 communities across Hawai’i, affecting over 3,200 young children and 3,300 caregivers each year. These high-quality programs provide essential early childhood education, youth mentorship, workforce development, and community support services at no cost to families who need them most. 

According to recent ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report data, over half of Hawai’i’s population lives paycheck to paycheck. Any disruption to these vital programs and services would have far-reaching consequences for our community’s most vulnerable members. 

PIDF remains dedicated to our mission of serving Hawai’i’s families. We will persist in advocating for the continuation of these essential programs and support for our communities. Currently, all PIDF programs are operating as usual, but we want to be transparent about potential changes that could impact our no-cost services: 

• Early childhood education programs that give our keiki a strong foundation in learning may be affected. 
• Mentorship programs and workforce development programs that empower our youth could face challenges. 
• Community school support services may experience funding cuts. 
• Agricultural education initiatives that build pilina (relationships) with ʻāina could be affected.  

We welcome you to help spread the word about the impact of PIDF programs for keiki and ʻohana by sending your story to communications@pidfoundation.org. Mahalo for supporting PIDF and continuing to uplift our mission to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions. 

For media inquiries, please contact communications@pidfoundation.org or our Communications Office at 808-595-5290.