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Every year, the Big Island Press Club awards scholarships to deserving students with local ties who are pursuing careers in journalism and communication. Your tax-deductible donation directly fuels the future of ethical reporting in Hawai‘i.

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Why give?

  • Defend the Right to Know

    Your donation provides the resources we need to monitor legislation, advocate for open records and protect the public’s access to government information.

  • Invest in Local Journalism

    Support the people who tell our island's stories. Your gift helps us provide professional development and ethics training for local media professionals.

  • Cultivate New Watchdogs

    A portion of every gift goes toward our scholarship endowment, providing critical financial aid to Hawai‘i Island students pursuing careers in journalism.

  • Protect First Amendment

    We are the only organization on Hawai‘i Island dedicated solely to the defense of the First Amendment. Your support keeps our advocacy independent and fearless.

  • Honor a Storied Legacy

    With nearly 60 years of history, BIPC has been a cornerstone of the community. Your contribution ensures that the legacy of leaders continues for another half-century.

  • Promote Accountability

    From the Torch of Light to the Lava Tube awards, your generosity helps us shine a spotlight on government transparency, and call out those who operate in the dark.

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What People Are Saying

Three people wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis, smiling at a tropical-themed gathering.

“To me, it is an honor to be awarded with the Press Club journalism scholarship, because it not only acknowledges the hard work I’ve put in but also acknowledges that other people see my potential. It’s motivating knowing that it’s more than just my parents encouraging my career, but professionals in the field.”

— Mari Iwata, 2024 Scholarship Award Winner

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a sleeveless pink top, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.

“Knowing that I had a local organization supporting my studies really gave me the motivation to succeed in all of my projects and become a stronger writer, storyteller and journalist. I am grateful for the Big Island Press Club and their support towards my career in journalism.”

— Tianna Morimoto, 2020 Bill Arballo Scholarship Award Winner + Digital Producer for Arizona’s Family News

A humpback whale breaching the ocean surface with its tail in the air, and distant mountains and clouds in the background.

“Thank you so much for a wonderful whale watching tour. Michelle and Sierra raved about the trip the entire drive back to Kohala! Just being out on the water all morning would have been a great experience on its own, but your expert whale spotting made it truly unforgettable. We’re so grateful. Thank you for donating your time for such a good cause!”

— Edward Fetzer, Fundraiser Auction Winner/Member

“I now work for Business Insider, covering the food industry, consumer goods, and other retail topics. I attribute being able to pursue journalism to this scholarship.”
— Alexander Bitter, 2015 Winner
“Receiving a Big Island Press Club scholarship helped me succeed with my goals since I was able to focus on my studies instead of worrying about paying for tuition.”
— Sabrina Pike, 2016 Winner
“The best part of my studies are learning how to communicate effectively individually as well as in a group setting. The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies.”
— Lehia Coloma, 2022 Winner
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. The Big Island Press Club (BIPC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

    • EIN: 75-3106301

    • Receipts: You will receive an automated tax receipt via email immediately following any digital donation made through our Givebutter portal.

  • Your generosity fuels two primary pillars of our mission:

    • The Scholarship Foundation: A significant portion of donations goes directly into our scholarship endowment (currently valued at over $450,000), which provides annual awards of up to $1,500 to Hawai‘i Island students.

    • Advocacy & Education: Dues and general donations support our "Watchdog" efforts, including legal advocacy for open government, First Amendment defense, and professional development workshops for local journalists.

  • Absolutely. Many of our most impactful scholarships—such as the Arballo, Fukabori, and Miller awards—were established to honor the legacies of island icons.

    • Tribute Gifts: When donating via our online portal, you can select the "Tribute" option to dedicate your gift.

    • Named Scholarships: For those interested in establishing a recurring named scholarship, please contact our Treasurer at info@bigislandpressclub.org to discuss endowment options.

  • Yes. We often seek in-kind support for our annual Scholarship Award Dinner and club events. Examples include:

    • Venue space for meetings or workshops.

    • Printing services for our educational materials.

    • Items for silent auctions or event door prizes.

    • Professional services (Legal, Accounting, or Marketing). Please email info@bigislandpressclub.org if you have a service or item you would like to contribute.

  • We are a volunteer-led organization and always welcome fresh energy! You do not need to be a working journalist to help. There is a place for your expertise and passion on one of our active committees:

    • Advocacy & Open Government

    • Scholarships

    • Event Planning

    • Membership & Outreach

    • Education & Governance

    • PR & Marketing

    Interested in joining a committee? Email us at info@bigislandpressclub.org.

  • We offer a reduced-rate Student Membership for just $5.00 per year. You can join online via our membership portal. This reduced rate is our way of supporting the next generation of journalists and making it easy to get involved early in your career.