Own Your Own Future Hawaii Grant Program

Founded in 1962, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation works to build resources for Hawaii’s future by investing in promising initiatives and organizations through grantmaking, using its convening power, and introducing and spreading new ideas and approaches to help solve some of Hawaii’s most pressing problems.

In partnership with the Stupski Foundation, the foundation invites applications for the Own Your Own Future family engagement innovation grant program. Through the program, grants of up to $50,000 over two years will be awarded to support activities with the potential to help equip families and students with the information required to discuss college and jobs together meaningfully and support pathways to college and career. 

Project proposals must help families better understand one or more of the following topics: Hawaii’s labor market and associated academic pathways, how to access early college opportunities and related financial aid to reduce the cost of college, how to earn an industry-valued certification or promising credential, and how to find supports that increase student chances of completing a college degree with real value in the job market. Activities should not duplicate efforts that are already in place but can supplement such efforts.

Priority will be given to efforts that are school or school-complex-based; encourage smart partnerships—for example, schools that partner with trusted community organizations; target middle and/or high school families; and target families with students that are underrepresented in higher education and/or that come from rural and remote regions of the state. 

Through this effort, the foundations expect to fund 10 to 15 total projects. 

Eligible applicants include nonprofit community partners, work-based learning intermediaries, secondary public schools, DOE complex areas, and postsecondary institutions.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation website.