Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Kim and Jack Johnson, supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaiʻi. KHF provides opportunities that enhance appreciation for and understanding of the environment to inspire lifelong stewards of the earth.
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation’s programs support public, charter, and private schools throughout the state of Hawaiʻi in meeting their environmental education goals.
Our ‘ĀINA In Schools, Plastic Free Hawaiʻi, 3R’s School Recycling, and Kōkua Learning Farm programs focus primarily on schools and communites on Oʻahu. Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation’s Field Trip Grants and Program Grants extend their reach to schools throughout Hawaiʻi. Additionally, we offer an array of resources, curricula, workshops, and training opportunities designed for students and educators, accessible to a wider audience beyond Hawaiʻi. Explore our Resources here.
We encourage you to subscribe to our mailing list for program updates and opportunities.
ʻĀINA In Schools is a farm to school initiative that connects children to their local land, waters, and food to grow a healthier Hawaiʻi. In addition to encouraging the use of locally grown fruits and vegetables in school meals and snacks, the program includes standards-based nutrition, garden, and compost curricula that empower children to grow their own food and make wise food decisions, and reduce waste. ʻĀINA In Schools also provides field trips to local farms, chef cooking demonstrations in classrooms, as well as waste reduction, garden, and cooking educational opportunities for families and community members.
The 3R’s School Recycling Program empowers students to engage and educate their school community about the 3R’s (reduce-reuse-recycling). The program provides educational resources, trainings and materials to support on-campus recycling efforts and hosts Aloha ʻĀina Recycling Drives at select 3R’s participating schools across Oʻahu, with host schools receiving proceeds from recycled material
Plastic Free Hawai‘i provides resources, tools, and trainings to educate schools, business partners, and community members about the environmental and health benefits of going plastic free to minimize single-use plastics in our islands. The program supports communities and schools in coordinating beach cleanups, film screenings, and docent trainings to deliver Plastic Free Hawaiʻi educational presentations.
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Project Grants fund projects and teachers from Hawaiʻi schools to assist in advancing their environmental goals in the classroom and pursue stewardship endeavors. The program offers assistance to schools which otherwise could not purchase items or services needed to reach their goals. Applications are accepted through January 31st of each school year for funding up to $200 per teacher or$1,000 per school.
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Field Trip Grants help bring students to outdoor sites where they can experience hands-on learning about Hawaiʻi’s environment. Preference is given to Hawaiʻi public schools which otherwise could not participate in environmental field trips. Applications are accepted through March 1st of each school year for funding up to $1,000 per school.
The Kōkua Learning Farm Youth Internship Program provides on-farm training to build skills and knowledge around agroecology, crop cultivation, fruit and vegetable production, soil health maintenance, and culinary explorations.
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