From the origins of the Foundation’s creation in the 19th century, trustees have insisted that schools and institutions funded reflect the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Race, ethnicity, gender preference and sexual orientation are not practiced by the Foundation. The Foundation seeks a more just society in Hawaii and that all our residents have equal opportunity for a safe, healthy and fulfilling life.

      Our education partners at the Hawaii Association of Independent School’s commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in how those principles are incorporated in The HAIS Procedures for Appraising the Independent School Accreditation Standards. Accreditation is granted only when schools embrace principles such as: “The school climate reflects a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and it is evident in the engagement of the school community” and adequately demonstrates that “Students experience the school as a safe, equitable and inclusive place.” Additional attention is given to these principles as they pertain to admissions, human resources and the health, safety and wellness of students, faculty and staff.

      The Castle Foundation agrees with the HAIS principles for accreditation, and we join HAIS in seeing these ideals part of all early education practice.

      Hawaii is a multi-racial, multi-cultural state and honoring and furthering equity, diversity, and inclusion is as important in philanthropic management as it is for education, government, business and non-profits.

      Consistent with the 19th-century founding charter of the Foundation prepared by Mary Tenney Castle and her family, the basic approach to grant application assessment is primarily based on socioeconomic data. The Castle Foundation attempts to address the symptoms of poverty and modest income. It ensures that all non-profit organizations with needs are evaluated regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, or ethnicity. The Foundation does pay special attention to cultural-based equity, especially in early learning and education. All humans experience their world through cultural mediation. Therefore, language restoration and traditional Hawaiian ways of knowing and caring for family and community are honored. Collaborating with Hawaiian-led educational organizations, the Castle Foundation has funded, for many years, cultural-based practices in infant-toddler care, teacher education, early education, and learning. The Castle Foundation has worked with other Hawaii Funders, such as Kamehameha Schools, and national funders, like the WK Kellogg Foundation, to expand and strengthen Hawaiian culture-based programs serving children and families well. Outstanding outcomes for children and families of all races and ethnicities are what we care about the most.

      The trustees evaluate the Foundation’s progress in funding programs that are inclusive and diverse in thought and programming and Hawaii’s slow advance toward equal access to economic and cultural resources.