Philanthropy Transforms Lives Across All UH Campuses in Hawaii

Record $171.7 million raised in 2025 supports students, research, and innovation statewide

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Hawaii system has seen a remarkable impact from philanthropic support, with a record $171.7 million raised in fiscal year 2025 and over 17,000 donors contributing. This funding has directly benefited 5,742 students through $20.6 million in aid, addressing critical needs like food insecurity and financial hardship. Donations have also advanced research and innovation across UH's campuses, strengthening the university's role as a driver of progress throughout the Hawaiian islands.

Why it matters

As federal funding becomes less predictable, philanthropy has emerged as a crucial anchor for the University of Hawaii's future. This support allows UH to maintain its high standards and deep community impact, tackling local challenges and empowering the next generation of leaders across the state.

The details

Highlights of the philanthropic impact include the $1 million Kruschel Endowment to Reduce Insecurity at UH Hilo, which addresses student housing, food, and financial instability. At UH Maui College, the Kam Scholars Program, funded by the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust, is transforming tragedy into purpose for future nurses. Donor generosity has also advanced research and innovation statewide, with endowed professorships and program support at UH Manoa accelerating discoveries.

  • In fiscal year 2025, the University of Hawaii system raised a record $171.7 million in philanthropic support.
  • On UH Giving Day, more than 1,800 gifts raised over $800,000 from alumni and friends across Hawaii and beyond.

The players

Blake Pena-Perez

A first-generation freshman at Hawaii Community College and recipient of the Ēlama and Hilo One scholarships, who said the support helped him overcome food insecurity and focus on his studies.

Reshmi Rao

A student at UH Maui College pursuing nursing to honor her late sister, and a recipient of the Kam Scholars Program funded by the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust.

Tim Dolan

The CEO of the UH Foundation and UH Vice President of Advancement, who stated that philanthropy is the key variable allowing UH to maintain its high standards and deep community impact.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There were days I didn't know what I'd eat. That kind of stress takes over your whole life. The Ēlama scholarship reminded me that I'm not alone—that there are people out there who truly care about students like me.”

— Blake Pena-Perez, First-generation freshman, Hawaii Community College (University of Hawaii News)

“Receiving this scholarship has lifted such a huge weight off my shoulders. It's given me hope. And it's deepened my understanding of why compassionate, patient-centered care matters so much.”

— Reshmi Rao, Student, UH Maui College (University of Hawaii News)

“As federal funding becomes less predictable, philanthropy serves as the definitive anchor for our university's future. This support is the key variable that allows UH to maintain its high standards and deep community impact.”

— Tim Dolan, CEO, UH Foundation and UH Vice President of Advancement (University of Hawaii News)

What’s next

The University of Hawaii will continue to build on the momentum of its historic FOR UH • FOR HAWAIʻI fundraising campaign, leveraging philanthropic support to drive further progress and innovation across its campuses statewide.

The takeaway

Philanthropy has emerged as a vital lifeline for the University of Hawaii, enabling the university system to address critical student needs, advance cutting-edge research, and solidify its role as a driving force for positive change throughout the Hawaiian islands. This outpouring of community support underscores the deep commitment to UH's mission and its transformative impact on lives across Hawaii.