Kosasa Foundation

The foundation’s mission is to educate and engage communities in stewardship of natural resources and support programs critical to vulnerable youths’ development, from their earliest years into young adulthood. Its vision is to nurture a sustainable natural environment and support younger generations in preserving Hawaiʻi’s legacy while building a brighter future.

The foundation’s website describes community-based environmental stewardship as work that sets clear goals for improving specific environmental conditions, combines local knowledge with Western science, collaborates with scientific or academic partners and government, and helps develop or implement policy. It also says that projects focused primarily on food security, general environmental education, or leadership development are not a focus of this program. Its Creative Capacity opportunity is intended for Hawaiʻi culture and arts nonprofits pursuing innovative work or building organizational capacity for long-term sustainability.

Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work funded. Hawaiian Community Assets says its mission is to foster economic opportunities for low- and middle-income families and individuals in Hawaiʻi, including Native Hawaiians. Hawaiian Islands Land Trust describes its mission as protecting and stewarding lands that sustain Hawaiʻi and connecting people with ʻāina. The Institute for an individual recipient Education and Culture says it works to improve Native Hawaiians’ quality of life through educational opportunities and community partnerships. Other 2024 grantees include Adult Friends for Youth, which says it works to promote youth wellbeing and strengthen family and community safety, and Bishop Museum, which says it explores and celebrates Hawaiʻi and Pacific history, culture, and environment.