Founder Steve Case has long been an active business and civic leader in his home state of Hawaii, working to combine respect for Hawaii's native culture and environment with job creation and economic growth. His involvement in Hawaii and his investment choices reflect his belief in a hybrid approach to business and philanthropy he calls "doing well while doing good."

Steve Case's involvement in Hawaii and his investment choices reflect his belief in a hybrid approach to business and philanthropy.

The Case Foundation has brought this entrepreneurial spirit to its investments in Hawaii. Over the last few years, the foundation has funded the construction of numerous homes through its investment in Habitat for Humanity and several community technology centers through its investment in PowerUp and its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Currently, the foundation has investments in projects on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, including:

• The PONO nonprofit leadership training program, a partnership with the Hawaii Community Foundation that helps leaders in the nonprofit sector improve their management skills and explore social enterprise opportunities.
   
• The Family Independence Initiative (FII), which provides incentives for families in poverty to build on their social and financial assets and set personal goals to achieve a higher quality of life.
   
• The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM), a collaborative effort that sponsors training in land-based arts for students at the local community college.  This project aims to grow a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, create fulfilling jobs for young islanders, preserve Maui's natural beauty, and reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported food.
   
• The University of Hawaii Business Plan Competition, which awards a prize for social enterprise.
   
• Leadership Kauai, a community based initiative to build a cadre of well-trained local leaders in business, government, and philanthropy.
   
• Kanu Hawaii, a group of young professionals dedicated to building and acting upon a positive vision for Hawaii's future.