HONOLULU (KHON2) — Two local nonprofits received a boost this week as part of a record $28 million in grants awarded nationwide by the Taco Bell Foundation. The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi was granted $55,000, and Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi received $30,000.
Both groups were nominated by RBD Hawaiʻi Restaurants Limited for their work with youth on Oʻahu. Their programs focus on mentorship, education and career readiness.
“We are pleased to support the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. Their programs provide a safe, inspiring space for thousands of local keiki, helping them unlock their full potential and build brighter futures,” said Yong Min Kim, operations director of RBD Hawaii Restaurants Limited. “We’re also excited to continue our partnership with Junior Achievement of Hawaii, whose hands-on learning programs prepare students to succeed in the real world.”
The $28 million awarded in 2025 marks the largest grant investment in the foundation’s history, and it helped nearly 500 nonprofit organizations selected across the country. That amount is $5 million more than last year.
Funding came largely through Taco Bell’s Round Up campaign. That was where customers donated an average of 44 cents per transaction. The campaign raised more than $50 million last year and earned national recognition as the top point-of-sale fundraiser in the country.
This year, 45% of Community Grant funds supported career readiness programs. Another 29% went to academic mentorship, and 11% supported college readiness.
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In addition to the grants, RBD Hawaiʻi Restaurants Limited awarded $14 million in Live Más Scholarships to Taco Bell team members in 2025.