The Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Kim and Jack Johnson, supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai‘i. Our mission is to provide students with experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be 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 ʻĀINA In Schools, Plastic Free Hawaiʻi, and 3R's School Recycling programs focus on schools on Oʻahu and Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation's Field Trip Grants and Program Grants are available to Hawaiʻi schools state-wide, however there are many resources, curricula, workshops and trainings available for students and educators everywhere.

We encourage you to subscribe to our mailing lists for program updates and opportunities.

ʻĀINA In Schools

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.

Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Field Trip Grants

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.

Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Project Grants

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.

3R’s School Recycling Program

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 Hawaiʻi

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.