We partnered with Bishop Museum to design a 

Mentoring and Training Program

Focused on capacity-building skills for museums and museum-like* organizations in Hawaiʻi

*Note: eligible participants were those working in or interested in working in Hawaiʻi-based institutions such as cultural centers, library archives, cultural practitioner groups (including Hālau Hula), zoos, aquariums, gardens, and other organizations providing informal learning in Hawai'i.


From Summer 2023 through Spring 2025, Nonprofit GrowthGen, LLC (NPGG)  partnered with Bishop Museum on a mentorship series called the Growing Capacity Project. This two-year grant supported the development and delivery of three online mentoring and training programs for people working or seeking to work in museums and museum-like organizations in Hawai‘i. One program was predetermined by previously gathered community input and focused on grant writing; the additional two programs were developed in response to community needs identified through a survey, listening sessions, and conversations with stakeholders to address professional development needs in the sector.


Click here to see Bishop Museum’s press release about the Growing Capacity Project (IMLS # MN-252908-OMS-23).


Overview

The Growing Capacity Project (GCP) was a two-year, IMLS-funded collaboration between Bishop Museum and Nonprofit GrowthGen designed to strengthen nonprofit leadership across Hawai‘i.


Through three interconnected learning programs, participants from museums and cultural organizations built skills in nonprofit management, project planning, and fundraising—supported by guest presenters, peer exchange, and one-on-one mentorship.


At a Glance

  • Duration: 2023 – 2025
  • Participants: 26 professionals representing 18 organizations across six islands
  • Presenters: 26 guest speakers shared their insights and skills
  • Format: Three virtual learning series, each six–twelve weeks long
  • Resources Produced: 26 educational videos • 38 tools • 33 final class projects
  • Results:
  • 98 % likely to use or share resources
  • 98 % likely to recommend a GCP program
  • 89 % likely to return for future offerings
“This program gave me confidence to dream big and strategically plan for the next few years.”

Impact

Participants reported a 24 – 30 % average increase in skill-specific confidence and stronger statewide peer connections.


Beyond measurable outcomes, GCP cultivated a lasting network of cultural professionals who continue to collaborate and mentor one another.


📄 Download the Full Project Report Snapshot (PDF)


Explore the Programs and Outcomes


PROJECT SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS

The Growing Capacity Project was made possible through the collaboration and generosity of dedicated colleagues and partner organizations across Hawai‘i. 


We want to express our deepest gratitude to the following organizations for helping to support and share this work: the Donkey Mill Art Center, East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, Friends of ʻIolani Palace, Lyman Museum and Mission House, Hawaii Museums Association, the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO), and Skog Rasmussen, LLC.


We are also especially thankful for the guidance and expertise of our project advisors: Leah Caldeira, Bishop Museum director of Library & Archives, Kamalu du Preez, Bishop Museum cultural resource specialist and Hawaiʻi Museum Association Board Member, and Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) associate curator for Native Hawaiian history and culture. 


Finally, we acknowledge the dedicated professionals who championed the project’s launch and sustained it through transitions:  Melanie Ide, Dan Lyons, Janet Bullard, Gail Vincent, and Dee Jay Mailer.


Mahalo nui loa to each of you for your role in bringing this project to life.


Become a Sponsor

Would you like to help us continue the work of the Growing Capacity Project? We would love to hear from you.


Alumni from this program as well as members of the Hawai'i cultural community have overwhelmingly expresses the desire to see this work continue. NPGG seeks partners to fund the continuation of this work so that more organizations can benefit and we can continue building community and synergy around our collective growth. We welcome conversations with persons and organizations interested in helping to grow the capacity of cultural nonprofits and organizations.