Century of Philanthropy: A History of the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation

The Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation was founded in 1894, making it one of the oldest charitable organizations in the United States. Closely identified with Progressive Era reform, the foundation has affected over its long history of grantmaking activity virtually every aspect of cultural, educational, and social life in Hawai'i. The foundation’s earliest grants favored educational innovation; in more recent decades, it has made large capital grants to cultural organizations and early childhood education. This revised edition analyzes the foundation’s development in the 1990s and the early years of the twenty-first century. Special attention is paid to changing trends in national philanthropy and the foundation’s strong support for and advocacy of child education and healthcare in Hawai'i. In 2004 - its 110th year - the Castle Foundation continues its commitment to nonprofit organizations, cross-sector partnerships, community building, outcome assessment, and consortial funding.