(HONOLULU) Real estate investor and philanthropist Jay H. Shidler has donated $1 million to fund innovation and community development initiatives at Hawai’i Public Radio.

The donation is the largest unrestricted gift in the statewide nonprofit broadcaster’s 41-year history.

The donation will establish a new innovation fund at HPR to support community building initiatives, audience development, new original content and other key projects that align with the station’s strategic plan to achieve diverse new listeners, while engaging its existing audience.

Shidler said, “I have been listening to Hawaiian Public Radio daily for quite a while. I watched the station’s growth trajectory, learned about its leadership and recognized the value of its services to our island community. This year, I wanted to do more in terms of my support.

“We are very grateful to Jay for his immense generosity, long-standing personal interest, and support for the plans and direction of the station,” said José A. Fajardo, President and CEO of HPR. “His donation gives HPR the creative space and resources to dream big and advance projects that will elevate the station’s work and service on behalf of our statewide community.”

HPR Chairman of the Board, Francis S. Oda, said, “This gift is such an inspiring gesture. This is a tremendous vote of confidence, not only in the station’s mission and work, but also in its future as an independent, locally focused and locally funded company.