Chaminade University’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program hosted its 2026 Nonprofit Business Plan Competition, sponsored by American Savings Bank, on April 15 bringing together nonprofit leaders from across Hawaiʻi to strengthen their organizations and expand their impact.
The competition received 50 submissions, reflecting a wide range of community-focused initiatives addressing issues such as housing, health, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Program organizers extended their appreciation to all participating nonprofits for their time, effort, and commitment to serving the community.
Community leaders volunteered as judges and narrowed down the submissions to nine finalists and one honorary finalist. Their feedback and evaluation played a key role in selecting this year’s winners and providing valuable insight to participants.
The competition emphasizes an entrepreneurial approach to nonprofit work, encouraging organizations to think strategically about growth, sustainability, and measurable impact. Through this process, participants gain practical tools to strengthen operations while staying focused on their mission.
The finalists provided an oral presentation before a judging panel on Tuesday, April 7.
The 2026 winners are:
1st Place – $15,000
Royal Adventures – Surfrider Spirit Sessions
2nd Place – $11,000
Kupuna Paws Foundation
3rd Place – $6,000
Healing by Design – The Institute of Human Services
4th Place – $4,000
Lei Wili Recycling – Lei Wili Plastics Recycling
Additional finalists, each receiving $1,000, include: Gathering Place; ʻIke Pono Training Lab – Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Connection; Kalakoa Creative Wellness; Sweet Island Market – Roots & Riddim; and Sweetgrass Wellness Collective. The honorary finalist with EcoRacers form Maui Waena School.
The event is supported by community and institutional leadership. Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington welcomed and thanked Ann Teranishi, President of American Savings Bank, for the bank’s continued sponsorship and commitment to nonprofit development in Hawaiʻi. Roy Panzarella, Director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, led the competition, with coordination support from Ann Kishi. Their efforts help ensure the program continues to provide meaningful learning experiences and practical benefits for participating organizations.
The Nonprofit Business Plan Competition remains an important opportunity for Hawaiʻi-based nonprofits to refine their strategies, build capacity, and connect with community leaders. It also highlights the role of entrepreneurship in advancing nonprofit work and strengthening the broader community.
