Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Guam

Environmental and conservation-focused nonprofits in Guam can apply for Biophilia Foundation grants supporting ecotourism, habitat restoration, and sustainable land and water management. Typical awards range from US $5,000 to US $25,000, backing projects that enhance biodiversity, promote restorative local economies, and influence conservation policy connected to travel and tourism.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support, including those interested in travel and tourism careers in Guam. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship assists Bucks County residents preparing for higher or vocational education that supports the tourism and hospitality industry.

Students pursuing aviation or hospitality degrees in the U.S. who are interested in tourism careers, including those from Guam, can receive scholarship support for higher education. The Columbus Foundation’s NetJets Scholarship offers US $25,000 awards to full-time students with strong academics and character considering careers in business aviation and hospitality.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. studying tourism, gaming, hospitality, or related business fields can receive need-based scholarships ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000 per year. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help students, including those from Guam, pursue full-time degrees that prepare them for travel and tourism industries.

Guam nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support local programs. Grants may benefit initiatives like food pantries, healthcare for underserved residents, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle promotion that strengthen community wellbeing and local quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving southern U.S. communities with programs in areas like poverty relief, education, disaster response, animal welfare, or nature and wildlife conservation may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established charities (3+ years) deliver tangible, meaningful impact, which could include ecotourism or conservation-related tourism efforts connected to their mission.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support that may benefit travel and tourism efforts in Guam. Focused on housing, jobs, and hunger, Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers projects preserving neighborhoods and strengthening local economic and cultural life.

Guam tourism and ecotourism nonprofits, especially those focused on wildlife conservation, preservation, education, or wellness, can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share their impact through compelling media and narratives. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profit organizations may receive more than US $50,000 to tell stories about their community-focused work.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. With a mission to honor exemplary collaborations, the foundation provides national recognition to initiatives addressing significant social issues, which may include tourism or ecotourism efforts benefiting communities in Guam.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs in Guam can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national community grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for hunger relief, housing stability, economic development, cultural enrichment, and adult self-sufficiency initiatives that may benefit local tourism economies.

Guam nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects that strengthen local communities. Guam organizations working in areas like public safety, neighborhood revitalization, workforce readiness, and education may be eligible for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants, which favor long-term, sustainable impact.

Nonprofit organizations in Guam seeking support for cultural, educational, environmental, or community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. With a mission to strengthen diverse community-based efforts, the foundation provides U.S. nonprofits, including those with tourism or ecotourism components, with flexible project or program funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families in Guam can apply for Nordstrom Community Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Nordstrom help community-based groups offering food, shelter, clothing, workforce training, mentorship, or scholarships in areas served by Nordstrom stores.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations improving education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children can seek project or scale-up funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. With a mission to expand opportunity, it supports work in the U.S., India, and South Africa, which may benefit Guam-serving tourism or youth programs with aligned missions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Guam supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that meets documented community needs. Costco Foundation supports evidence-based initiatives with measurable outcomes, strong community collaboration, and broad financial backing; local travel and tourism groups with qualifying youth or human services programs may be eligible.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding from Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign organizations in countries including the United States may be eligible, and Guam tourism or ecotourism groups with strong humanitarian components could benefit.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.