Programs Rooted in Hawaiʻi Island Soil
KCCF funds workforce development and education programs built by and for Hawaiʻi Island communities. From construction and digital skills to agriculture and cultural stewardship — every grant comes paired with a mentor who walks alongside the work.
Supporting the Work That Keeps Local Talent Here
We invest in community organizations that help Hawaiʻi Island residents gain skills, start businesses, and build meaningful careers at home. Beyond funding, we connect grantees with advisory support, board networks, and resources to help their programs last.
Career Exploration
Career Exploration
Connecting Talent to Local Opportunity
We fund programs that show local residents what is possible right here on the island. This includes hands-on exposure, site visits, and direct contact with local employers and growing industries.
Skills & Training
Skills & Training
Building Practical, High-Demand Expertise
We back organizations offering real-world, technical training. From skilled trades and agriculture to tech, culinary, and land stewardship, we support hands-on learning that leads to recognized credentials and jobs.
Career Advancement
Career Advancement
Empowering Local Founders and Innovators
We invest in people building local businesses and leading community efforts. If your program helps residents start enterprises, solve local problems, or step into leadership roles, we provide capital and connections.
Organizational Capacity
Organizational Capacity
Strengthening Non-Profits for Long-Term Impact
Strong programs need solid foundations. We offer funding and practical advisory to help non-profit partners stabilize operations, plan for growth, and keep their impact going for the long haul.
Healthcare
Are you preparing local residents for careers in healthcare? We are looking to partner with programs that address the growing shortage of healthcare workers at every level—from nurse assistants to specialists—so our community can be cared for by the people who call it home.
Skilled Trades
If your organization provides young people with hands-on training and real job placements in construction, carpentry, wastewater, or infrastructure, we want to support your work. We fund the programs building and sustaining island life.
Food Systems & Agriculture
A resilient island feeds itself. If you are training the farmers, growers, and food entrepreneurs of tomorrow, we want to help. We fund programs focused on regenerative agriculture and local food systems that build careers rooted in this ʻāina.
STEAM & Technology
Curiosity is the foundation of every career. We partner with grassroots and educational programs that spark early interest in STEAM and open doors to technology careers our keiki may not yet know exist right here on the island.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
We fund programs that help young people develop the confidence, skills, and networks to build something of their own. If you are equipping the next generation of Hawaiʻi Island business owners, innovators, and community leaders, we want to hear from you.
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Quick details on who we fund, how we collaborate beyond grant dollars, and how to get started.
Eligibility & Alignment
We fund Hawaiʻi Island 501(c)(3) non-profits and community organizations running programs that create career, trade, and economic opportunities for local residents. Learn more about our grant eligibility guidelines.
No. While youth programming remains a key part of our history, KCCF supports workforce initiatives, skill training, and leadership development for Hawaiʻi Island residents of all ages and career stages. See our impact story to learn about our focus area evolution.
What We Fund
We back initiatives that help local residents build practical skills, earn industry certifications, explore local career paths, and launch enterprises. This includes apprenticeships, trade bootcamps, job shadowing, leadership cohorts, and capacity building for non-profit partners.
Yes. We value long-term community relationships. Returning grantees are welcome to reapply as long as they continue meeting project milestones and demonstrating local impact.
Partnership & Support
We look at funding through a pathway lens—connecting organizations, schools, and local employers tackling shared island challenges. By linking complementary programs (such as high school pathway initiatives, healthcare providers, and vocational partners), we help build stronger, connected networks across Hawaiʻi Island.
Application Process
You can submit your application directly through our online application form. If you want to discuss whether your program aligns with our core pathways before applying, feel free to contact our team.
Applicants must provide an IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, a DCCA Certificate of Good Standing, your most recent Form 990, and a financial statement for your most recently completed fiscal year. Organizations operating under a formal fiscal sponsor are also welcome to apply.
Grantees commit to a 12-month program period, which includes submitting a 6-month mid-term progress report, delivering a final achievements report 30 days after the grant ends, collaborating with a paired KCCF board mentor, providing promotional media kits, and participating in annual KCCF events.
