Service that speaks to your heart

Choose a community service project that reflects your group’s values and creates a positive impact on the community you care about.

Financial learning that empowers

Your group completes a 90-minute financial education session designed to build practical money skills, with all materials provided at no cost.

Support that moves your mission forward

Once your group completes both program components, HawaiiUSA provides $1,500 to support the participant focused needs of your team or organization.

At the heart of Hawaii are the community groups who show up for others.

That’s why Kokua Community uplifts Hawaii’s grassroots groups with tools and funding that fuel learning, service, and deeper community connection.

Who can apply

Kokua Community is open to:

  • Youth sports teams
  • School clubs and student organizations
  • Small community nonprofits
  • Local volunteer or grassroots groups

Groups must be located in Hawaii and have an adult leader or coordinator.

HawaiiUSA FCU reserves the right to select qualified applicants based on the Community Development Issues identified by the National Credit Union Foundation.  

How it works

1. Apply online

Submit a short application telling us about your group, who you serve, and the impact you hope to make in your community. Applications for this round are currently closed. Sign up below to be notified when the next application period opens.

Join notification list

2. Complete two program activities

Your group will complete:
  • One community service project
    Choose a service activity that speaks to your group’s heart — something meaningful to your participants and your community.
    If you need help identifying a project, HawaiiUSA can offer suggestions.
  • One financial education session
    Take part in an in-person, 90 minute financial education module designed to build confidence and practical money skills.
    HawaiiUSA provides all materials, instruction, and support at no cost.

3. Receive $1,500 for your group

Once both components are completed, you’ll receive $1,500 to support the participant focused needs of your team, club, or organization.
Funds are intended to directly benefit the individuals you serve — not administrative or operating expenses.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]. Please allow two business days for a response.


KokuaCommunity-Logo-FullColor

Next steps

Get notified when the next application period opens

Frequently asked questions

Groups must be affiliated with an IRS designated 501c3 non-profit organization or be school based.  Participation is limited to once per program year.  Priority is given to groups that have not participated before.

Interested groups submit an application detailing their purpose, participant count, planned community service activity, and eligibility. 

Priority is given to first-time participants. 

Selected groups will partner with HawaiiUSA to complete both the community service activity and the financial wellness education module. 

All applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Prioritization of funding will be given to small community-serving groups whose purpose and mission align to the twelve (12) development issues identified as barriers to economic growth and prosperity as identified by the National Credit Union Foundation.  Development Issues - NCUF

The purpose of the community service activity is to give back to the communities in which we all live.  We suggest that community service activities be of value and recommend at least a half day of service.  Community service activities may be verified.

Living in Hawaii requires a different understanding of money management, our cost of living is higher than the national average, we have multi-generational families residing in one home, and a unique set of social-economical challenges and advantages that make managing finances tricky.   

Most of our in-person financial education modules are 90 minutes in length and can be customized to every group’s interest or needs.

Groups with minors as participants will require authorized adult supervision during the community service activity and while the financial education module is being shared. 

The minimum number of active participants in a group is 10, there is no maximum.

HawaiiUSA is responsible for: 

  1. Reviewing and approving applications 
  2. Providing and administering the financial education module 
  3. Validating the requirements have been met and issuing the monetary donation

Groups whose application has been approved by HawaiiUSA will be responsible for: 

  1. Coordinating with the community service organization to complete the approved activity 
  2. Scheduling the financial education module with HawaiiUSA and organizing the group’s participation

The $1,500 monetary donation will be issued to the group upon completion of the community service activity and financial wellness module.

Yes, HawaiiUSA regularly partners with various non-profit organizations in the State of Hawaii and can help groups find community service opportunities.