Career Enhancement for Hawaiʻi Island Residents

Supporting Workforce Development on Hawaiʻi Island

Hawaiʻi Island is rich with talent, potential, and opportunity. Supported by our Kohala Coast community, we invest in people at every stage of their career journey, strengthening Hawaiʻi Island's workforce and expanding opportunities for residents to build meaningful lives while caring for the ʻāina they call home.

For Donors For Grantseekers

Our mission

A Hui Rooted in Place and Purpose

Kohala Coast Community Fund supports nonprofits that foster economic growth and job opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island. These organizations provide local residents in-depth training, mentorship, and exposure to career paths, enabling them to pursue high-value jobs on-island. In addition, KCCF supports programs for non-profits that enable them to thrive.

Our Story Our Directors

Kohala Coast Community Fund Directors and Advisors

PATHWAYS IN ACTION

2025 Impact & Stewardship Report

Discover how your contributions directly supported workforce development, keiki STEAM initiatives, and local healthcare training across Hawaiʻi Island.

Explore the 2025 Report

BUILDING FUTURE CAPACITY

Pathways for Building Hawaiʻi’s Workforce

Our funding strategy drives progress through four core pathways: Career Exploration, Skills & Training, Employment & Career Advancement, and Organizational Capacity. Together, these pathways power sustainable growth and community resilience across our five key sectors.

Our strategic sectors

Healthcare

Hawaiʻi Island faces a growing shortage of healthcare workers at every level — from nurse assistants to specialists. KCCF invests in the educational pathways and training programs preparing local residents for careers in the community they call home.

Skilled Trades

Construction, carpentry, wastewater, and infrastructure — these are the careers that build and sustain island life. KCCF funds programs that connect local residents with hands-on training and real jobs right here on Hawaiʻi Island.

Food Systems & Agriculture

A resilient island feeds itself. KCCF supports the farmers, growers, and food entrepreneurs building regenerative agriculture and local food systems — careers rooted in this ʻāina and this community.

STEAM & Technology

From robotics to environmental science, curiosity is the foundation of every career. KCCF invests in programs that spark early interest in STEAM and open doors to careers our keiki may not yet know exist.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

The next generation of Hawaiʻi Island business owners and community leaders is already here. KCCF supports the programs helping residents develop the confidence, skills, and networks to build something of their own.

How We Support

Funding and Mentorship, Together

We believe effective philanthropy is more than writing checks. Every grant comes paired with a dedicated KCCF mentor, ongoing guidance, accountability, and a genuine investment in each organization's success.

How We Fund

Organizations come to us with real challenges and clear goals. We look for alignment with our mission, a track record of impact, and a leadership team we believe in.

KCCF provides grants to organizations working on workforce development and education across Hawaiʻi Island. Our commitment is long-term, not one-and-done.

Every grantee is paired with a KCCF mentor. Our board members and advisors bring their professional experience directly to the people doing the work.

Our Grantees

Organizations We Support

From workforce training to STEM education to cultural stewardship, KCCF partners with 21 organizations building real opportunity across Hawaiʻi Island.

Who We Support Apply For Funding

Our Island Community

Part of Something Bigger

KCCF works alongside schools, employers, and civic partners across Hawaiʻi Island — because building career pathways takes a whole community, not just funding.

Our Community Partners

A Future Worth Investing In

We envision a Hawaiʻi Island where generation after generation thrives with equitable access to affordable housing, education, and the opportunities that a diversified, sustainable,
locally-focused economy provides.

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