Hawaii Rise Foundation grows community-funded scholarships to $50,000 for 2026

The Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation has expanded from a single $1,000 award in 2016 to $50,000 in community-funded scholarships for 2026, and applications are open with a deadline of April 1, 2026.

The Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation Scholarship Program supports Big Island students pursuing education, training, or personal growth. It began in 2016 with one $1,000 scholarship donated by Keaukaha General Store and has expanded through local support. Each scholarship is created and funded by a local sponsor and is meant to reflect that sponsor's values and hopes for the next generation. Organizers report donors include families, businesses, and organizations across Hawaiʻi Island. Program details: - The program began in 2016 with a single $1,000 scholarship from Keaukaha General Store. - For 2026 the program has grown to $50,000 in scholarships funded by local sponsors across Hawaiʻi Island. - Each scholarship is created and funded by a local sponsor and is described as reflecting that sponsor's values and story. - Eligible applicants include Hawaiʻi Island high school seniors, current college students, and nontraditional students; funds are available for college, trades, first responders, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, educators, single parents, foster youth, people with military backgrounds, and children with special needs. - Applications are open now and are posted on hawaiirisefoundation.org and the program's Instagram; the application deadline is April 1, 2026, award notifications will be sent by May 1, 2026, and an award ceremony where donors and awardees meet is planned for June 2026. Summary: The program channels community donations into individually sponsored scholarships that aim to support a wide range of student pathways on Hawaiʻi Island. The timeline for 2026 includes an application deadline of April 1, award notifications by May 1, and a donor-awardee ceremony in June 2026. Undetermined at this time.