Real Impact on Hawaiʻi Island
Celebrating five years of real results and collective achievement since 2021. We measure our success by the pathways we create for Hawaiʻi Island's youth. Through strategic grants and dedicated mentorship, we fund accelerated hands-on learning, career exposure, and paid work-based training. Collectively, these efforts are helping local residents build skills that translate directly into jobs, ensuring they don't have to leave the island to build a meaningful life.
Voices from the Ground
We are not the hero of this story—our grantees are. By combining funding with dedicated mentorship, we strive to empower the people doing the hard work. Here is what your support made possible in 2026.
"The Kohala Coast Community Fund made it possible for 78 keiki to have fun with hands-on STEM learning. From designing computer games, and building their own computers, to 3D printing, learning to solder, and drone piloting, these camps didn’t just spark curiosity—they built 21st century skills that open doors to future careers. The Hawaii Keiki Museum also provided work-based internships for 12 high school students, giving them employment experience and a pathway toward future opportunities. The HKM is more than a museum, it’s an experience. Mahalo for making this growth possible—together, we are building a sustainable future for us all."
"Mahalo again to the Kohala Coast Community Fund for making this possible. With your funding, we were able to provide four interns with paid, hands-on construction training through Ho‘ākeolapono’s 12-week program. Under the guidance of a master carpenter with 25+ years of experience, the boys gained real skills on active projects — from demo and framing to finish carpentry. Beyond the trade skills, they’ve built confidence, discipline, and a clear path forward in the workforce. This opportunity wouldn’t have happened without the Kohala Coast Community Funds’ support, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going."
"The Nalukai Foundation extends our heartfelt mahalo to the Kohala Coast Community Fund for its continued investment in Hawai‘i’s youth. Your support has not only provided resources—it has inspired confidence, leadership, and a stronger sense of belonging for hundreds of young innovators who now see a future for themselves here in Hawai‘i."
“Thanks to the Kohala Coast Community Funds’ support, our Recipe for Success workforce development and food business incubator program launched September 27, 2025 is a great success! Interest has been extraordinary, with 100+ farmers and community members signed up so far, and we are thrilled to also have two Kohala High School seniors completing their Capstone Projects through the program.”
Beyond Direct Grants
We believe effective philanthropy requires more than writing checks; it requires deep research, collaboration, and coordination. Beyond funding individual programs, KCCF engages with the broader institutions shaping Hawaiʻi Island's economy — from the Department of Education to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative.
For example, to address the island's critical medical worker shortage, KCCF formed a dedicated Healthcare Committee to research and align career pathways with major local employers like the Kona Community Hospital. Our goal is to build a coordinated system that ensures when new jobs are created on the island, our own residents are prepared to fill them
