In addition to the funding strategies for the publicly supported and universally accessible preschool system that is now being created, the Castle Foundation also provides substantial support to accredited or working on accreditation private early learning preschools. The Castle Foundation prioritizes its Request for Proposals, but generally does not fund applications for more than $100,000. We value applications that have more than one funding partner committed to a project or program. Naturally, we expect any application to indicate substantial institutional financial support from any organization’s own resources.
The Castle Foundation, in addition to discussions with knowledgeable trustees with years of experience in early education, also listens carefully to the public and private schools we serve.
For thirty years, Al Castle, Executive Director, has welcomed additional information about critical needs in the early education sector from preschool teachers, pre-k directors, the nationally respected Early Education Funders Collaborative (Washington, DC), preschool parents, former Castle Colleges Leadership graduates, preschool board members, the University of Hawaii College of Education, Chaminade University, and the Executive Office of Early Learning. As much as possible, we create Requests for Proposals that address many of the leading needs of our public and private ECE sectors. All RFP projects are budgeted and reviewed annually for the outcomes and measurable results of grants.
To strengthen our vital private sector preschools, the trustees focus on the following response to needs:
- Proposals for Teacher Training for Preschools and Kindergartens in Hawaii
(estimated budget of $200,000) - Proposals from Private Accredited or Obtaining Accreditation Preschools in Need of Playground, Classroom or Other Small Capital Improvements
(estimated budget of $175,000) - Proposals for Improving Instructional Quality in Hawaii’s Independent Preschools in 2026
(estimated budget of $150,000) - Proposals from Organizations Serving Children 0-36 months old
(estimated budget of $700,000 for pre-selected providers) - Proposals for Preschool Tuition Assistance from pre-selected preschools from all four counties
(estimated budget of $255,000) - Proposals for Strengthening Native Hawaiian Early Education and FCIL Applications
(estimated budget of $200,000) - Proposals to Support Rural and Neighbor Island Preschool Classrooms in Hawaii
(estimated budget of $150,000)
Total for RFP’s for 2026: $1,830,000