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

Annual Giving
$93.7M
000

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

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $93,689,317 (2023 grants)
  • Total Education Spending: $523 million (FY 2023-2024)
  • Assets: Over $10 billion
  • Grant Range: Varies by program type
  • Number of Grants: 110 grants awarded (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Hawaii statewide
  • Application Method: Online application system

Contact Details

Community Investing Office

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 $10 billion, the organization's mission is to fulfill 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 31 preschools, while also providing substantial community grants and scholarships. In fiscal year 2015, KS awarded $20.9 million in grants to more than 60 local community organizations, with grants totaling $93.7 million in 2023. The organization 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 Programs

Community Investing Grants - $84 million annually allocated

  • Early Learning: $4.6 million statewide
  • K-12 Education: $12 million statewide
  • College and Career Focus: $4.25 million statewide
  • 'Āina and Community Engagement: $3 million statewide

Food Systems Fund - $8 million invested in sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives

Scholarships - $31 million annually

  • 4,033 pre-K to post-high scholarships provided
  • Support for students attending Kamehameha Schools and other educational institutions

'Āina Stewardship - $60 million to steward agricultural and conservation lands across Hawaii

The organization awarded 110 grants in 2023, 136 awards in 2022, and 120 awards in 2021. Multi-year funding is provided to core collaboration efforts with charter schools, organizations 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) revitalization programs
  • Culture-based education initiatives
  • Development of 'Ōiwi leaders across key sectors
  • Programs connecting youth to Hawaiian values and traditions

Community-Based Educational Opportunities

  • Programs serving Native Hawaiian children ages 0-5 and families
  • Educational collaborations with community organizations statewide
  • Charter school partnerships
  • College and career readiness programs

'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
  • Programs that directly support Native Hawaiian learners and communities
  • Hawaii-based organizations and initiatives

The organization does not appear to fund:

  • Programs outside of Hawaii
  • Initiatives not directly related to Native Hawaiian education and well-being
  • Organizations 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

The trustees provide strategic direction and focus necessary to fulfill 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:

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 program type and are communicated during the application process.

Success Rates

In fiscal year 2023, Kamehameha Schools awarded 110 grants totaling $93.7 million. For comparison:

  • 2023: 110 awards
  • 2022: 136 awards
  • 2021: 120 awards

The organization has a history of supporting a broad range of community partners, with fiscal year 2015 showing awards to more than 60 local community organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies are not publicly detailed, but the organization provides multi-year funding to core collaboration efforts, indicating ongoing relationships with strong partners. Organizations 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 organization emphasizes 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 programs 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

Programs that strengthen Hawaiian identity through Hawaiian culture-based education are prioritized. The organization'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 Programs

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

  • Hoala - Outreach program providing families with information on early childhood education and enrollment 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 organization values programs 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 program must directly improve educational opportunities and outcomes for people of Hawaiian ancestry—this is non-negotiable given Pauahi's will and the organization's legal mandate
  • Think systems change: KS seeks to improve the entire education system for Native Hawaiians, not just individual programs; demonstrate how your work contributes to broader community efforts and systemic improvements
  • Cultural grounding matters: Programs 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 program targets (kindergarten readiness, reading proficiency, graduation rates, post-secondary success)
  • Multi-year relationships: KS provides ongoing funding to core partners; position your organization for a long-term collaboration, not just a one-time grant
  • Use the online system: The Community Investing Office has modernized 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 program reflects lāhui priorities and aspirations

References

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