Trustees of the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop (Kamehameha Schools)

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
Total Education Spending: $523 million (FY 2023-2024)
Assets: Over $15 billion (as of June 30, 2024)
Grant Range: Varies by programme type
Geographic Focus: Hawaii statewide
Application Method: Online application system

Contact Details

Community Investing Office

Phone: 534-8518
Email: communityinvesting@ksbe.edu
Website: https://www.ksbe.edu
Address: 567 S King St Ste 200, Honolulu HI 96813-3079

Overview

The Trustees of the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, operating as Kamehameha Schools, was established under the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1885. One of the largest private landholders and trusts in the United States with assets exceeding $15 billion, the organisation's mission is to fulfil Pauahi's desire to create educational opportunities in perpetuity to improve the capability and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry. The trust manages one of the largest schools in the United States serving kindergarten through grade 12 across three campuses plus 30 preschools, whilst also providing substantial community grants and scholarships. In fiscal year 2015, KS awarded $20.9 million in grants to more than 60 local community organisations. The organisation operates under Strategic Plan 2030, which focuses on nurturing haumāna (students), cultivating 'āina momona (healthy land/environment), and uplifting the lāhui (Native Hawaiian community).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Community Investing Grants

Early Learning programmes statewide
K-12 Education programmes statewide
College and Career Focus programmes statewide
'Āina and Community Engagement programmes statewide

Scholarships

Over $13 million in preschool scholarships (2017-18 data)
4,033 pre-K to post-high scholarships provided
Support for students attending Kamehameha Schools and other educational institutions

'Āina Stewardship

Partnerships with over 20 community-based organisations
Programmes serving over 25,000 participants annually

Multi-year funding is provided to core collaboration efforts with charter schools, organisations stewarding KS 'āina, and other critical partners.

Priority Areas

Kamehameha Schools' community investments align with Strategic Plan 2030 and focus on:

Educational Outcomes for Native Hawaiian Learners

Kindergarten readiness
3rd grade reading proficiency
8th grade math proficiency
On-time high school graduation rates
Post-secondary education completion

Hawaiian Cultural Identity & Leadership

Hawaiian language ('Ōlelo Hawai'i) revitalisation programmes
Culture-based education initiatives
Development of 'Ōiwi leaders across key sectors
Programmes connecting youth to Hawaiian values and traditions

Community-Based Educational Opportunities

Programmes serving Native Hawaiian children ages 0-5 and families
Educational collaborations with community organisations statewide
Charter school partnerships
College and career readiness programmes

'Āina-Based Learning

Agricultural and environmental education
Land stewardship and conservation projects
Food systems and food security initiatives
Restoration of affected areas

What They Don't Fund

Based on available information, Kamehameha Schools focuses exclusively on:

Educational opportunities for people of Hawaiian ancestry
Programmes that directly support Native Hawaiian learners and communities
Hawaii-based organisations and initiatives

The organisation does not appear to fund:

Programmes outside of Hawaii
Initiatives not directly related to Native Hawaiian education and well-being
Organisations that do not serve Native Hawaiian communities
Individual student aid to attend non-Kamehameha private schools (policy change announced in 2025)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The board consists of five trustees equally vested with the responsibility of carrying out the will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop:

Crystal Kauilani Rose - Chair
Jennifer Noelani Goodyear-Ka'ōpua - Vice Chair
Michelle Ka'uhane - Secretary/Treasurer
Elliot Kawaiho'olana Mills - Trustee
Robert K.W.H. Nobriga - Trustee (term expiring/expired)

The trustees provide strategic direction and focus necessary to fulfil and sustain the vision, mission, and values of Kamehameha Schools. The board sets policy and collectively carries out the testamentary will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The selection process for trustees is currently under review to add transparency to the management of one of the largest private trusts in the U.S.

Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Livingston "Jack" Wong - Responsible for leadership, administration, management and effectiveness of all KS operations, including implementing the strategic plan and policies set by trustees

Key Community Investing Staff

Shannon Toriki - Community Investing Manager
Brandon Wong - Grants Manager
Rashelle Lee - Grants Manager

Other Senior Leaders

Darrel R. Hoke - Executive Vice President of Administration
Tim Donohue - Chief Investment Officer
Nālani Fujimori Kaina - General Counsel and Vice President
Kēhaunani Abad, Ph.D. - Vice President of Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience
Kā'eo Duarte, Ph.D. - Vice President of 'Āina Pauahi

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Kamehameha Schools operates an online application system through its Community Investing Office (formerly Collaborations Management Office). The office replaced its manual application process with a user-friendly online system that makes it easier for community members to apply for collaborations, grants, and sponsorships.

Application Method: Online portal Contact for Application Support:

Phone: 534-8518
Email: communityinvesting@ksbe.edu

The Community Investing Office operates on a three-year implementation timeline that includes comprehensive liaison training, operational stability maintenance, and alignment of collaborators with KS' strategic objectives.

Decision Timeline

The online process enables KS to notify qualified applicants more quickly regarding funding decisions compared to the previous manual system. Specific decision timeframes vary by programme type and are communicated during the application process.

Success Rates

In fiscal year 2015, Kamehameha Schools awarded grants to more than 60 local community organisations. The organisation has a history of supporting a broad range of community partners and provides multi-year funding to core collaboration efforts.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies are not publicly detailed, but the organisation provides multi-year funding to core collaboration efforts, indicating ongoing relationships with strong partners. Organisations should contact the Community Investing Office directly for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment is Critical

Applications must align with Strategic Plan 2030 priorities:

Nurturing haumāna (students)
Cultivating 'āina momona (healthy land/environment)
Uplifting the lāhui (Native Hawaiian community)

The organisation emphasises that successful applicants contribute to "communities' collective efforts" to improve the education system for Native Hawaiian learners, directly aligning with Goal 2 of Strategic Plan 2020.

Focus on Measurable Educational Outcomes

Strong applications demonstrate how programmes will improve specific outcomes for Native Hawaiian learners:

Kindergarten readiness metrics
3rd grade reading scores
8th grade math scores
On-time high school graduation rates
Post-secondary education completion rates

Cultural Connection and 'Ōiwi Leadership

Programmes that strengthen Hawaiian identity through Hawaiian culture-based education are prioritised. The organisation's guiding principle—"Hānai i ke keiki, ola ka lāhui" (Nurture the child and the Native Hawaiian people thrives)—reflects the importance of cultural grounding.

Example Funded Programmes

INPEACE received $1,136,100 for multiple programmes:

Hoala - Outreach programme providing families with information on early childhood education and enrolment support
Keiki Steps - Hawaiian culture-based activities for children ages 0-5 and their parents
Ka Lama Education Academy - Comprehensive educator development system including recruiting, credentialing, placement, and retention

Demonstration of Community Impact

Successful applicants show how their work advances communities and creates systemic change. The organisation values programmes that contribute to collective efforts rather than isolated interventions.

Alignment with Core Values

Applications should reflect KS' seven Hawaiian and Christian values:

Aloha (compassion)
'Imi na'auao (wisdom-seeking)
Mālama (stewardship)
'Ike pono (righteousness)
Kuleana (responsibility)
Ho'omau (preservation)
Ha'aha'a (humility)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Mission-critical alignment: Your programme must directly improve educational opportunities and outcomes for people of Hawaiian ancestry—this is non-negotiable given Pauahi's will and the organisation's legal mandate
Think systems change: KS seeks to improve the entire education system for Native Hawaiians, not just individual programmes; demonstrate how your work contributes to broader community efforts and systemic improvements
Cultural grounding matters: Programmes that strengthen Hawaiian identity, incorporate Hawaiian language, and connect learners to 'āina and Hawaiian values are strongly preferred
Measurable outcomes required: Be specific about which educational milestones your programme targets (kindergarten readiness, reading proficiency, graduation rates, post-secondary success)
Multi-year relationships: KS provides ongoing funding to core partners; position your organisation for a long-term collaboration, not just a one-time grant
Use the online system: The Community Investing Office has modernised its application process—take advantage of the streamlined online portal and faster notification system
Engage early: With contact information readily available (534-8518 or communityinvesting@ksbe.edu), reach out to discuss alignment before submitting a formal application
Demonstrate community engagement: KS developed its strategic plans with input from over 3,000 community members; show how your programme reflects lāhui priorities and aspirations

References

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