Hawaii Land Trust volunteers working together on community conservation and land stewardship projects across the islands

Community Capacity Projects Hawaii

Empowering Hawaii's Communities to Build Lasting Change from the Ground Up

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Community volunteers at Waimea Valley Hawaii working together on environmental and community development projects

About Us

Community Capacity Projects Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Waimea, on the island of Kauai. We work across the Hawaiian Islands to strengthen the capacity of communities, organizations, and individuals to create meaningful, sustainable change. Our approach is grounded in the belief that lasting community improvement comes from within — from residents who are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and resources to shape their own futures.

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to build the capacity of Hawaii's communities through training, technical assistance, and collaborative projects that strengthen local organizations, develop community leaders, and create pathways to economic opportunity. We envision a Hawaii where every community — from Waimea to Waipahu — has the capacity to address its own challenges and build on its own strengths.

Why We Exist

Many of Hawaii's communities — particularly on the neighbor islands and in rural areas — face significant challenges: limited economic opportunities, inadequate community infrastructure, and a lack of access to the training and resources needed to build effective local organizations. Community Capacity Projects Hawaii exists to bridge these gaps, providing the support and expertise that communities need to thrive.

Programs & Services

We offer a range of programs designed to build community capacity, develop local leaders, and create economic opportunities across Hawaii.

Hawaii workforce development program participants celebrating career advancement and professional growth on Kauai

Workforce Development

Job training, career counseling, and employment placement programs helping Hawaii residents — particularly those in underserved communities — build the skills and connections needed to access quality employment opportunities.

Kanu Hawaii community volunteers working together to make positive change across the Hawaiian Islands

Organizational Capacity Building

Technical assistance, training, and consulting services for nonprofit organizations and community groups across Hawaii, helping them strengthen their governance, financial management, program delivery, and community engagement.

Waimea Park community landmark on Kauai representing the community pride and development efforts in Waimea Hawaii

Community Leadership Development

Leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and community organizing workshops that develop the next generation of community leaders in Hawaii — equipping them to advocate for their communities and drive positive change.

Community Impact

Community Capacity Projects Hawaii has worked with dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals across the Hawaiian Islands, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. Our workforce development programs have helped Hawaii residents access better employment opportunities, while our organizational capacity building services have strengthened the nonprofits and community groups that serve Hawaii's most vulnerable populations. Through our community leadership development programs, we are cultivating a new generation of local leaders who are committed to building a better Hawaii for all.

50+Organizations Supported
500+Individuals Trained
10+Communities Served
15+Years of Service

Get Involved

There are many ways to support our work and contribute to building stronger communities across Hawaii.

Community Leadership Training Program
A multi-week leadership development program for emerging community leaders across Hawaii, covering community organizing, advocacy, project management, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Nonprofit Capacity Building Workshops
Practical workshops for nonprofit staff and board members covering governance, financial management, grant writing, program evaluation, and community engagement best practices.
Annual Community Capacity Summit
A statewide gathering of community organizations, leaders, and advocates sharing best practices, celebrating successes, and building the connections needed to strengthen Hawaii's communities.

Partner With Us

We welcome partnerships with government agencies, foundations, businesses, and other nonprofits that share our commitment to building community capacity in Hawaii. Whether through funding, technical expertise, or collaborative programming, your support helps us reach more communities and create more lasting change.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Have questions about our programs, interested in partnering with us, or want to learn more about how we can support your community? Please reach out using the form below.