($250,000 is budgeted for this category of grants in 2024)

      The Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation Trustees fully know how important safe and healthy preschool playgrounds are to early learning. Although the Foundation continues to fund minor capital improvements in and around preschool classrooms and other indoor facilities, we realize playgrounds are very expensive and challenging to finance.
      In 2024, we encourage accredited or about-to-be accredited preschools to prepare solid and well-documented applications to improve the instruction of playground equipment. Most applications for this purpose will generally be up to $25,000. We expect each applicant to provide evidence that the applicant’s board of directors plans to co-invest with the Castle Foundation, as the playground is the school’s facility. Depending on the cost of the improvements, the school may need to apply to other private foundations interested in early learning. The Castle Foundation is a state-wide funder with a particular emphasis on West Maui’s post-wildfire recovery. We are limited in the amounts we can provide for any project.
      Please contact Al Castle, Executive Director at the Castle Foundation office, to discuss your proposal and needs. He needs to approve any school applying to the Foundation and ensure that the Foundation has sufficient funds remaining. Once the budgeted $250,000 for 2024 is expended, we must wait until 2025 to consider playground construction or renovations applications.
      Your application instructions are the same as all other types of applications but should include the following:

1. A short cover letter states what you need, how much you request from the Foundation towards your total need to complete the project, and why you are asking for playground improvements in 2024.
2. A short executive statement explaining the project in more detail. This is the place to point out that your proposed project dovetails with the RFP and the traditional funding of private preschools by the Castle Foundation. How does your proposal further the Foundation’s compelling interest in good outcomes for young children?
3. A complete request in which you give the history of the preschool, a description of accomplishments and challenges, a discussion of which other foundations or corporations are being approached for funds, a discussion of how much the preschool itself will invest in its outdoor facilities, a timetable for the project and a brief discussion of how you will assess the success of the new playground in the future. Be specific about how your playground improves instruction and how outcomes for children will be improved.
4. Provide a list of your board of directors (trustees).
5. If you have not applied before, include a copy of the preschool’s charter, proof of tax-exempt status, and by-laws.
6. Include your latest school audit or, if that is not available, the financial statement for 2023. You must also include an approved preschool budget for 2024. If you are running an institutional deficit, explain how the school plans to finance it.

         Please observe all remaining due dates for 2024 as we deal with numerous inquiries and applications.
         Send your application electronically or by regular postal mail. All applications received and reviewed for completeness will receive an acknowledgment receipt. The Castle Foundation is open seven days a week for your convenience.