About Foundation
Are you farmers?
No, we are advocates of fresh food and for the farmers that go to great lengths to provide it. We have found that the general public has no idea just how demanding (and riddled with regulation) farming can be! Through our advocacy and our initiatives, we aim to be a bridge between farmers and the community.
What inspired the creation of the foundation?
The foundation was created in response to Maui’s urgent need for sustainable food systems, community support, and regenerative farming practices. It was shaped by the founder’s personal journey, local partnerships, and a commitment to long-term resilience.
What is the ParaGenius Foundation?
The ParaGenius Foundation is an emerging Maui-based nonprofit aimed at building a healthy, resilient community through organic agriculture and nourishing food education.
Who founded the ParaGenius Foundation?
The organization was founded by Dr. Carolyn Dean, whose story and vision are central to the foundation’s mission.
Our Work & Initiatives
How do your initiatives help Maui become more sustainable?
We are behind-the-scenes change agents, doing what we can to move the needle on unwinding Maui's well-worn patterns....from continued food import reliance to the general disconnection between community and our farmers/the local food system. The community continues to have an awareness of systemic issues, yet the issues remain. We seek out creative ways that link awareness to action.
What are your current initiatives?
As an emerging charity with a small team, we have a tiered approach to our programming.
Our central focus and financial investments right now are with our Growing Futures: Nurturing Youth Through Hands-On Agriculture initiative.
One vital initiative we are always looking to reinvigorate is our Administrative Support for Farmers, where our team provides pro-bono grant readiness, grant-writing and award management to help farmers stay focused on what they do best.
We also maintain several initiatives driven solely by our Board-Driven volunteers: our Taste and Learn Food Immersion Program and our Grassroots Market Outreach-encouraging community awareness and enjoyment of fresh, local produce.
For Farmers
Do you collaborate with other agricultural organizations?
Collaboration is central to our mission. Our cornerstone partnership at this time is with ‘Oko’a Farms, the inspiration for the founding of our charity. 'Oko'a is connected with a farmer network of around 200 local vendors and neighborhood orchards each year. We hope to collaborate with interested farmers and producers within this network (and beyond) as our capacity and team grows.
Do you offer workshops or training?
Not yet. Part of our larger vision, however, involves the creation of a community warehouse and commercial kitchen space, where workshops and training can be facilitated by local Ag and food system leaders.
I’m a farmer - how can the ParaGenius Foundation support me?
Through community donation support, we can provide interested farmers with grant research, grant-writing, and, in case of award, grant management assistance.
Get Involved
How do I donate?
We have several options to donate:
1) Zeffy
2) PayPal Giving Fund
3) DAF Direct
4) Direct by Check
The “Donate” button on our website directs you to Zeffy, our donation platform.
How can I become a partner?
Partners can reach out through our contact page. We welcome collaboration with farms, nonprofits, educators, community organizations and passionate individuals aligned with our mission.
Do I need farming experience to volunteer?
Not at all. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds - passion and willingness to help are what matter most.
How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer by filling out our volunteer form. Opportunities may include farm support, community events, educational programs, and sustainability projects.
Donations
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes.
Where does my donation go?
Unless you directly specify where to direct your support, donations are prioritized toward advancing our Growing Futures Initiative.
Community Impact
How do you measure your impact?
A combination of heart, research and hard data!
We receive the real-time feedback: With our youth initiative (teachers, chaperones and participating students) and community feedback from our food immersion initiative at the Tuesday farmers market.
We are able to gather data-driven insights from our board-driven volunteer efforts, through our cornerstone farm partnership. Here we see how our neighborhood communications and food immersion experiences at the market translate to increase fresh food sales and greater market reach.
How does the foundation support the Maui community?
We strengthen local food systems, support farmers, provide education, and help build long-term sustainability and resilience for Maui residents.
General
Do you work with schools or educational programs?
Through Growing Futures, our work with local schools continues to expand. So far, we have worked with Carden Academy, Iao Intermediate, Kalama Intermediate, and local homeschool groups.
If you are a teacher/field trip coordinator/educational leader at a Maui-based school or youth program and are interested in Growing Futures, PLEASE REACH OUT!
Where are you located?
We are located in South Maui, Hawaii.
How can I contact the ParaGenius Foundation?
You can reach us through the contact form on our website.
