($150,000 in uncommitted funds remain as of April 10, 2026)
The Castle Foundation was a pioneer in progressive kindergartens during the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the start of public kindergartens, strongly supported by the Castle Foundation in the mid-20th century, our trustees have focused more on preschools and support for infant-toddler programs.
In 2026, we invite proposals that aim to improve teaching and learning in public, private, and charter kindergartens. The small, targeted grants are intended to enrich the kindergarten experience for children and teachers in families, primarily focusing on the needs and strengths of rural and neighboring island communities.
The typical grant size is $10,000 to $25,000. The total is budgeted for 7 successful applications in 2026. We view this as a modest pilot project to determine need and effectiveness in Hawaii’s rural and neighbor island kindergarten education. Applications, which should be discussed with the Foundation’s director, Al Castle, welcome applications from public, private, and charter elementary schools, as well as nonprofit organizations partnering with kindergarten classrooms.
Proposals should address one or more of the following:
- Kindergarten transition involving preschool coordination;
- ohana engagement for incoming kindergarten families;
- and summer “k-readiness” activities.
In addition, we are interested in enhancements to play-based learning, Aina-based/outdoor learning materials, supplements to kindergarten libraries, and development of mentally appropriate classroom supplies such as art supplies, blocks, or manipulatives.
Lastly, we wish to strengthen the professional development of kindergarten teachers through travel to workshops for rural and neighbor island teachers, tuition and fees for early learning institutes, and continuing education through summer institutes.
This kindergarten initiative may not support ongoing personnel and operating costs, or major capital projects.
Complete applications, typically 3-4 pages, will be signed by the principal and include a project summary, a statement of need, a description of proposed activities and expected outcomes, a budget, a timeline, and the applicant’s plan for measuring success.
A short final report, including how funds were spent and the outcomes achieved, should be submitted to the Castle Foundation within a year of receiving the micro-grant.
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The remaining due dates for 2026 are May 5 and September 7.
Trustee meeting dates are indicated on the website.
Due to substantial reductions in federal and state funding for early education projects, not all current educational care and workforce-related programs are sustainable. Please remember that the Castle Foundation’s “Requests for Proposals” are not intended to provide grants to sustain vulnerable programs and their operations. Our grants are intended to improve program delivery, outcomes, and quality, and to increase the number of young children who should benefit from sustainable, well-financed, ongoing programs. The trustees may make an exception if multiple funders are willing to co-fund a program’s basic operations for a reasonable period.