HONOLULU — RevoluSun announced that its community service initiative Project Empower has become an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Kuleana Micro-Lending as the fiscal sponsor.

Previously operating as RevoluSun’s internal philanthropy arm since 2009, Project Empower is now a separate entity and can greatly expand its community impact.

“Project Empower has been near and dear to RevoluSun over the years, allowing us to give back to Hawaii through various service projects and donations,” said RevoluSun CEO and co-founder Joshua Powell. “Becoming a standalone nonprofit will enable the organization to take on an even greater role in empowering local communities.”

The new nonprofit will be led by John Cheever, who has been one of RevoluSun’s Renewable Energy Senior Commercial Project Developers for over ten years. A former teacher at Mid-Pacific Institute and Punahou School, he has inspired thousands of students over the years and has decades of experience in education, sustainability and community development, including leading Kuleana Micro-Lending since 2010.

“It became clear that the scale of rebuilding efforts extended far beyond what RevoluSun alone can fund, so now we have a dedicated vehicle for charitable donations where people can feel confident knowing exactly where their money is going,” Cheever said. “The devastating wildfires in Maui this year highlighted the immense need for expanded community relief efforts.”

Project Empower’s first major initiative is focused on those who lost their homes during the Lahaina wildfires. Project Empower is raising funds to build a solar plus storage system that will power the ‘Ohana Hope Village, an 80-unit temporary housing community being developed by the nonprofit Family of Life Center. Construction on ‘Ohana Hope Village started in August and aims to be completed early in 2024.

“We are accelerating the rebuilding process by providing solar power systems and battery storage solutions, which are absolutely crucial for those impacted by the wildfires to get back on their feet,” he said. “Ultimately, our focus is on utilizing our core expertise in renewable energy to empower communities on Maui, and statewide.”

Those looking to get involved with or donate to Project Empower can visit projectempower.com for more information. As a 501(c)(3), all donations are tax-deductible.