Koʻolau Pilina Fund

The Koʻolau Pilina Fund is a grant program managed by the Harold K.L.Castle Foundation with the goal of strengthening community resilience in the Koʻolau region of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. This initiative uses a community-led, participatory model in which a committee of Koʻolau-based residents reviews and approves proposals. Now in its fourth year, the fund continues to support local organizations and grassroots projects that are grounded in community collaboration, cultural relevance, and long-term impact. Eligible applicants must either have IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Projects must request between $3,000 and $15,000 and must be for future activities; the fund does not support reimbursements for past events. Additionally, proposed projects must not duplicate other program grants awarded by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines announced throughout the year. Only one application per organization will be reviewed per grant cycle to ensure broad community participation. The fund prioritizes initiatives that promote safe and resilient communities, access to ʻāina (land) and food security, health and wellness, and community-based education. Projects are expected to demonstrate alignment with Pilina Fund values including pilina (connection), pono (balance), ola ka ʻāina ola ke kanaka (thriving land and people), and aloha Koʻolau (community-led solutions). Preference is given to projects that collaborate with other Koʻolau-based organizations and address specific community needs in culturally rooted and sustainable ways. The application process is flexible. Applicants may submit a short two-page proposal letter via email or use the Google Form linked on the foundation’s website. Proposal letters must include organizational and contact information, project goals and timing, community impact, alignment with fund values, and a project budget. Optional information regarding federal funding impacts and how applicants heard about the program may also be submitted. For help with writing or submitting proposals, applicants may contact the Pilina Fund team for guidance. Key submission deadlines for 2025 are March 14, April 30, June 30, August 31, and October 31. Corresponding grant announcements follow roughly five weeks later. Selected grantees will typically receive funds within 3–4 weeks of submitting their payment information. For questions or assistance, applicants can email pilinafund@gmail.com or call (808) 263-8917. The Pilina Fund Committee is also currently accepting applications for new members to serve from January to December 2026.

Projects should demonstrate community collaboration, cultural relevance, and capacity to support local resilience. Focus on how your project aligns with the fund’s values.