Ripple Effect Awards
Hawaii Island United Way is excited to introduce the Ripple Effect Awards to celebrate nonprofit employees who make a big difference on Hawaii Island. Nominations open on June 4, 2025.
At the heart of every movement for change is generosity — a spark that creates waves across communities, generations, and futures. The Ripple Effect Awards honor those who embody this spirit. These awardees don’t just give; they inspire giving in others. They are givers, action-oriented, bridge-builders, and visionaries whose impact moves far beyond the moment.
From unsung heroes in the community to legacy leaders and innovative organizers, the Ripple Effect Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who are making waves — not for recognition, but for the love of Hawaiʻi and its people.
Read on to meet this year’s honorees and learn how their actions are rippling outward to create a more just, joyful, and generous world. Nine awards are open for nominations: 6 individual recognitions, 2 team recognitions and one organizational recognition.
Recognizes a forward thinker and social visionary reshaping our future by lighting the way, or someone who sparked bold new ideas that sparked inspiration and made our community stronger.
Honors the advocate who uses their voice to inspire action and drive meaningful change that helps vulnerable communities thrive.
Celebrates the changemaker unafraid to stir the pot and make waves for justice.
Recognizes the individual who energizes and inspires all who are lucky enough to cross their path.
For a non-profit champion who goes above and beyond – always showing up and giving more than expected.
Honors the often unsung, yet grounded, hero/ine who holds it all together during challenging times of significant change.
A team of at least 3 people who show outstanding collaboration and drives success through innovative partnerships and/or teamwork.
Celebrates a team or new collaboration between organizations that took courageous risks to change the status quo. This team isn’t just playing the game, they’re changing it for a better future for us all.
Recognizes a nonprofit that receives more than 5 nominations that show how the organization’s mission has positively impacted the nominators and the island as a whole.
