HONOLULU — The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that, with the support of philanthropists and longtime Big Island residents Lynne and Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce, it has distributed $2.5 million to qualifying DonorsChoose projects by Hawaii’s public school teachers.
HONOLULU — The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that, with the support of philanthropists and longtime Big Island residents Lynne and Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce, it has distributed $2.5 million to qualifying DonorsChoose projects by Hawaii’s public school teachers.
Building on this campaign’s success, the DOE and the Benioffs announced that another round of support for Hawaii’s teachers is planned later in the academic year.
More than 3,500 teachers at 268 campuses — including 251 DOE schools and 17 charter schools — received $750 in funding through the campaign, enabling them to bring essential and innovative resources into their classrooms.
With projects submitted on the education crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose, the campaign bolsters teaching in diverse subjects — from STEM to mental health resources — supporting teachers’ visions to enrich their classrooms with critical learning tools.
Through their ongoing partnership with DOE, the Benioffs have now provided more than $10 million in total support for the state’s public school teachers, including $3 million for the current school year.
The Benioffs also recently funded the Lahaina HERO Awards recognizing teachers, administrators and DOE employees who played a critical role in keeping Lahaina schools open following the devastating wildfires on Maui last year.
These latest donations bring their total Hawaii philanthropy to more than $250 million across education, health, affordable housing and other areas.
“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,” Gov. Josh Green said in a statement, “I am proud to call them my friends, and I am humbled by their commitment to our teachers and students.”
“Nothing is more important than our children’s education and our public schools,” the Benioffs said in a statement. “We are deeply inspired by the incredible dedication of Hawaii’s teachers and so happy to be able to support their work.”
