(Estimated Foundation Budget of $200,000)
($100,000 in uncommitted funds are available as of March 1, 2026)

      Since the 1980s, the Castle Foundation has made grants to various Native Hawaiian-serving early education organizations. The trustees believe that high-quality early education that reflects indigenous values, ideas, and learning culture leads to essential benefits for children 0-5 and their families. Hawaii, indeed, has been a leader in culture-based early education. Native Americans in Philanthropy is one national organization that has recognized and learned from decades of work with young children in this fashion.

      Organizations that may apply for program support must be open to children of all races and feature work with dual-language and culture programming. Programs that might be considered will feature, for example. Innovative approaches to serving infants and toddlers, culture-based pre-school education and care, and family engagement. All 2026 due dates are listed on the Castle Foundation website.

      All interested applicants should first discuss their budget and their plans to strengthen existing programs or add new ones. Generally, applicants will have multiple funders or at least a plan to procure one or more additional donors to finance their project.