Local Honolulu Nonprofit, University of Hawai’i Foundation, Wins Kubota Hometown Proud® Grant
8/28/2025
Kubota Tractor Corporation is reaffirming its commitment to building stronger communities through its fifth annual Kubota Hometown Proud® grant program. This year, the company awarded ten grants — each including $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in Kubota equipment — to nonprofits across the country that are spearheading impactful projects locally.
Among this year’s recipients, the company is proud to announce that GoFarm Hawai’i Cultivating Future Farmers, nominated by University of Hawai’i Foundation and supported by local Kubota dealer Bacon Universal, is one of those winners.
According to Matthew Elvin, president and CEO at Bacon Universal, the program’s direct investment in local needs made participation a natural choice. “Right here in Honolulu, we saw an opportunity to make an impact,” Elvin explained. “Coordination is already underway with University of Hawai’i Foundation to help them secure a Kubota tractor for farm management and education.
GoFarm Hawai’i is a statewide program of the University of Hawai’i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), providing hands-on farmer training and business support for aspiring farmers. The organization equips participants with the tools they need to succeed in sustainable agriculture, and has trained hundreds of new farmers since 2012.
From left: Rachel LaDrig, farm coach, and Sabina VanTilburg, farm site assistant of GoFarm Hawaii, with Matt Elvin, president & CEO, and Anthony Sproat, senior sales representative of Bacon Universal
They plan to use their Kubota Hometown Proud grant to purchase a Kubota L3902HST tractor for farm management and education. The equipment will also be shared with beginning farmers working on-site, helping them build skills and increase production capacity. “As the only statewide experiential farmer training program in Hawai’i providing land access and direct support to start-up producers, GoFarm Hawai’i plays a vital role in strengthening local food systems,” said Laura Ediger, GoFarm Hawai’i Co-Director. “This award allows us to better serve our community in Waimānalo and beyond.” This project is supported by Bacon Universal, Kubota’s local Hawai’i dealer and equipment experts.
Local Projects, National Commitment
With more than 1,100 dealers nationwide, Kubota Tractor Corporation is dedicated to supporting local communities through meaningful partnerships and investments. The Kubota Hometown Proud program has provided more than $2.4 million to nonprofit organizations across the country over the last five years, fueling projects that create lasting impact. For a list of all the 2025 grant recipients and Kubota Hometown Proud grant program official rules, visit KubotaHometownProud.com.
Kubota Hometown Proud Rules
Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18 years of age and older, who are designated representatives of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, in viable financial standing and located within 50 miles of an authorized Kubota dealer. Void where prohibited by law. Contest Entry Period starts: 9:00 a.m. CT on 4/3/25 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. CT on 5/9/25. Judging Period starts at 12:00 a.m. CT on 5/10/25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on 7/31/25. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, prize details, and restrictions, see www.kubotahometownproud.com. Sponsor: Kubota Tractor Corporation, 1000 Kubota Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051.
About Kubota Tractor Corporation
Kubota Tractor Corporation, Grapevine, Texas, is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 200 Gross hp performance-matched implements, compact construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, hay tools, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact: Kubota Tractor Corporation, 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051, (888) 4-KUBOTA [(888) 458-2682], Ext. 900, or visit KubotaUSA.com.