Funding Opportunity: Harold K.L. Castle Foundation seeks community partners to increase access to jobs that will build a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi

We are excited to announce that the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, a member of HWFC, has recently introduced an opportunity: a Request for Partnership aimed at identifying organizations well positioned to contribute to a sustainable talent pipeline for the skilled trades industry that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and creates opportunity for underrepresented and rural communities.

The Skilled Trades Landscape in Hawaiʻi: A cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s economy, the skilled trades sector offers specialized professions in fields like construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and welding. A recent report commissioned by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation (who are both HWFC members) and conducted by SMS research illuminates the immense potential within this sector. Currently employing 58,470 individuals across 85 different occupations, skilled trades account for 8 percent of the state's workforce. Notably, these jobs not only provide competitive salaries, averaging $67,000, but also offer on-the-job training, enabling upward mobility for students straight out of high school. This sector stands as a bridge to the future, providing pathways into emerging fields like clean energy.

Challenges and the Path Forward: Yet, challenges loom. Hawaiʻi's aging workforce, coupled with the unpreparedness of many young individuals to take on these roles, presents a pressing need for action. The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation's initiative aims to address these issues directly. By increasing access for diverse, underrepresented youth, and creating sustainable infrastructure for trade education, the foundation envisions a robust, inclusive, and prepared workforce.

The Opportunity: Dream Big, Be Bold! This isn't merely a funding opportunity; it’s a call to dream big and be bold. The Foundation invites community-based nonprofit partners, trade associations, employers, and training institutions to craft innovative projects. These projects should identify specific trades, outline goals, create comprehensive workplans and budgets, and define clear outcomes. Creativity is encouraged: from increasing female representation to pioneering new training models, the initiative supports ventures that challenge the status quo.

The Power of Skilled Trades in Sustainability: Skilled trades align with the values and aspirations of Hawaiʻi's residents. A good job in Hawaiʻi, as defined by the community, supports a person's ability to be home in Hawaiʻi, make meaningful contributions to family and community, and maintain good health. Skilled trades, by offering stable careers and enabling contributions to sustainable initiatives, embody these ideals. From constructing clean energy infrastructure to fostering eco-conscious practices, trades professionals play a vital role in shaping a greener Hawaiʻi.

Take Action: If you are a community-based nonprofit partner, trade association, employer, or training institution driven by the vision of a vibrant Hawaiʻi, this is your opportunity to fund an innovative approach that offers real-world impact. Submit your proposals to the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation by October 13, 2023, and help shape the future of Hawaiʻi’s workforce.

For detailed guidelines on how to apply, the full RFP, or to view a recording of the 9/22 Bidders Call, please visit our partners at the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.