A significant investment in Hawai‘i’s public schools by Marc and Lynne Benioff, ​​long-standing philanthropists in the state of Hawai’i, is now fueling innovative educational projects across Hawai’i. The Hawai’i State Department of Education (HIDOE) recently announced that, with the Benioffs’ support, it has distributed $2.5 million to qualifying DonorsChoose projects by Hawai‘i’s public school teachers. 

The Benioffs will continue their support with another round of funding later this year, bringing their total commitment to DonorsChoose in Hawai’i over the years to more than $10 million.

Why it’s important: The current campaign provided 3,500 teachers across 268 campuses with $750 each to fund innovative projects submitted via education crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose. Now, educators can bring essential resources directly to their classrooms, from STEM supplies to mental health tools, and enrich learning experiences for students.

Examples of fully funded projects include:

• Assembly Line Production with Legos – Konawaena Middle School
• Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Animals Science Research Project – Waiākeawaena Elementary School
• STEM Lab Supplies – Kalāheo Elementary School
• Tide Pool Field Trip Supplies – Hāna High & Elementary School
• Fashion Design Student Workshop – Farrington High School 

The big picture: Marc and Lynne Benioff have demonstrated a longtime commitment to philanthropy in Hawai’i. To date, the Benioffs have donated over $250 million to various organizations in the state of Hawai’i and continue to remain an active part of the community.

What Marc and Lynne Benioff are saying: 

• ​​”Nothing is more important than our children’s education and our public schools. We are deeply inspired by the incredible dedication of Hawai’i’s teachers and so happy to be able to support their work.”

Nothing is more important than our children’s education and our public schools. We are deeply inspired by the incredible dedication of Hawai’i’s teachers and so happy to be able to support their work.

Marc and Lynne Benioff

What Gov. Josh Green, M.D., is saying: 

• “Marc and Lynne Benioff are shining examples of how philanthropy can have a hugely positive impact on communities and we are so grateful that they not only appreciate the aloha we have for one another, but that they generously share their aloha with our people. I am proud to call them my friends and I am humbled by their commitment to our teachers and students.”

What DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi is saying: 

• “We are so grateful to Marc and Lynne Benioff for their continued support, partnership, and generosity toward Hawaii’s teachers and students… These campaigns are more than just financial support – they are an investment in the wellbeing and academic success of our students, while also providing critical resources that encourage teacher retention and growth across our public schools.”

Go deeper:

• Read the full press release from Hawai’i Public Schools
• Learn more about Marc and Lynne Benioff’s philanthropy in Hawai’i
• Hear from Marc Benioff about the importance of his philanthropic efforts in Hawai’i
• Learn more about Salesforce’s Annual Giving Back initiatives
• Learn more about Salesforce’s Ohana and Hawaiian Culture to embrace communities
• Read the news article about how Benioff’s land donation aides Hawaii’s affordable housing

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