PIDF 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Rooted in Native Hawaiian values and traditions, Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) provides family and community-building programs. From infants and toddlers to tūtū, PIDF supports parents, guardians, and grandparents, as well as youth and young adults ages 14-24, through a range of programs on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

The past year has shown us that counting on federal grants can be an unreliable funding strategy, and we need to change our baseline in order to be resilient and sustainable in the future. The Department of Education submitted a $0.00 budget for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP), removing it from the federal budget in the next fiscal year (2026-27). This move is of great concern, affecting $46M annually coming into the state of Hawai’i to support educational needs in our community, $15M of which represents 72% of PIDF’s annual budget.

NHEP is the primary funding source for five of our programs, Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool, Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program, Kīʻapu, Piha Me Ka Pono, and KAʻA.

We are in the final year of our current NHEP grant which ends this summer. In the next fiscal year, PIDF is facing a $15M gap leaving great concern about losing early childhood education, DOE community school partnerships, youth workforce development, and family support programs and services.

On February 3, 2026, Congress restored one year of full funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). However, significant uncertainty remains regarding whether and when NHEP will issue a new grant competition. Additional uncertainty stems from the proposed dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the current plan to transfer NHEP from ED to the Department of the Interior.

No. Before PIDF can receive new NHEP funding, a new grant competition must be issued, PIDF must apply, and an award must be granted. At this time, it is unknown if or when NHEP will open a new grant competition.

PIDF has been actively working to diversify funding sources so that we are no longer reliant on federal funding. Our PIDF Leadership Team has been exploring legislative bills, meeting with government officials, congressional leaders, community organizations, local business owners, and philanthropic partners to be thought-partners and supporters in the funding cliff we face.

Our fundraising team has successfully secured several large grants to begin filling this gap, and will continue to pursue all available funding to keep as many sites open as possible. 

With the kind of uncertainty we’re facing, we're looking at really tough decisions that may result in scaling back operations or pausing programs until we can close significant funding gaps resulting from federal shifts (about $15M annually). As a mission-driven organization committed to serving our community, the hardest part is knowing that these services support children and families who rely on them every day.

The cost per Family Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) Centers and Traveling Preschool teaching team is around $600,000, and each team supports 2 program sites. 

As of the 2025-26 school year, PIDF's FCIL preschool sites each serve around 40-50 keiki plus 70-80 caregivers.

PIDF has been closely following HB2019/SB2496 that would appropriate funds to the Executive Office on Early Learning to administer funding for Family Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) Centers & Traveling Preschool programs programs like Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool, Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program, and Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana. Our ʻEleu partners, Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) and Keiki O Ka ʻĀina would also benefit from these outcomes.

Piha Me Ka Pono, our Community School Program, is supporting HB1896 that would appropriate funds to the Department of Education to support community schools.

How much are you asking for in HB2019/SB2496?

While we would love one entity to replace the full $20M in NHEP funding (which supports PIDF, INPEACE, and Keiki O Ka ʻĀina Family Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) Centers & Traveling Preschool programs), we understand the severe budget impacts of federal funds lost across the State, and defer to legislators on the amount. Funding of $3-5M would go a long way, but we again do not want to jeopardize support by asking for more than is possible.

• Send an email to your elected officials. Click here for a sample email (including contact information) urging them to support funding for this program.

• Share your story. Email us at communications@pidfoundation.org if you are open to sharing a testimonial about your experience with our program.

• Make a contribution. Individual support is so important to show government officials and foundations that our whole community values PIDF programs. Consider a small donation here.