The DTL Foundation strengthens communities by placing Hawaiian culture at the heart of all we do. Our mission is to fund and facilitate strategic initiatives that uplift Native Hawaiian communities, while offering guidance and resources to organizations that share our values. Through culturally grounded strategies, we empower these organizations to grow and thrive, ensuring that our collective efforts are rooted in culture and purpose.

Through our support, we empower businesses, nonprofits, and community groups to strengthen their missions while ensuring their work perpetuates Hawaiʻi’s culture and well-being for future generations.

Kākoʻo 

Kākoʻo, meaning to support, embodies DTL’s mission to uplift communities by amplifying indigenous voices and preserving ʻike kupuna. Through cultural stewardship and storytelling, we strengthen Native Hawaiian identity and help build lasting foundations for organizations to sustain and grow their impact.

Hoʻolako

Lako means well-supplied, well-furnished, and well-equipped—a value that aligns with the DTL Foundation’s commitment to strategic empowerment. We ensure organizations are lako by providing funding, facilitation, and tailored services that prepare them to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact for generations to come.

Kūlia

Kūlia, meaning to strive, embodies DTL’s mission to help organizations reach their fullest potential. Inspired by Mary Kawena Pukui’s “Kūlia i ka nuʻu” — DTL empowers communities through cultural stewardship and strategic support, ensuring they thrive with excellence and resilience.