Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives from State Farm Companies Foundation, including work in Hawaii. Grants may support disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 or higher education programs.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Hawaii and across the U.S. can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage youth and demonstrate lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports performing arts, museums, arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science initiatives, offering more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help large, well-established organizations, including those in Hawaii, expand proven, scalable efforts that tackle chronic poverty and strengthen families.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Hawaii working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs must serve urban low-income children or youth in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for grants used within the U.S. With a mission to aid broad-impact organizations, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides tax-exempt organizations with funding that strengthens well-managed programs and advances the general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii working on community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, arts, environment, or inclusion can apply for sponsorship support from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Funding may help build capacity for programs preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, or strengthening the local workforce and cultural life.

Tax-exempt Hawaii organizations offering family services and parenting education to local residents can apply for Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000. Programs must primarily serve families with children ages 0–5, operate in Hawai‘i, and collaborate with other providers to prevent foster care entry.

Nonprofit and religious organizations in Hawaii serving foster children, their caregivers, and transitioning foster youth can seek US $5,000 - US $40,000 to strengthen organizational capacity. Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation supports efforts such as governance, leadership, evaluation, resource development, internal operations, program design, staff transitions, and staff training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii working on preservation, education, or wellness can seek more than US $50,000 to build storytelling capacity and share their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports projects that highlight work in areas like environmental conservation, early childhood education, mental health, food access, and outdoor recreation.

Focused on historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation invites Hawaii public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits to seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and outreach projects. Funding can support preservation planning, community forums, organizational capacity building, and innovative public education efforts that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on areas like education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, or family and youth services may be eligible for support that strengthens their work, including capacity-building efforts. Robinson Foundation provides Southern U.S. charities with single-year funding; Hawaii organizations with relevant programs serving this region could benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations in Hawaii can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support programs and projects in heritage preservation, community arts, arts education, and presenting or performing arts. Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts funding may also help strengthen organizational capacity while advancing culture, arts, and humanities statewide.

Hawaii nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national private foundation supports charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, and Hawaii organizations with related capacity-building needs may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations, including those in Hawaii, can apply for TJX Foundation grants to support basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX site, align with its mission, and submit an eligibility questionnaire and letter of inquiry.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work can access funding through Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants are generally unrestricted and may be used for general operating or program expenses, which can help strengthen organizational capacity.

Harawaii nonprofits and public schools working on nearshore marine and coastal conservation can receive US $100 - US $4,000,000 to improve ocean resource health and management in Hawaii. Harold K. L. Castle Foundation provides funding for efforts like reducing land-based pollution, strengthening marine management capacity, and building community-based co-management, which can include capacity-building components for eligible organizations.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools in Hawaii can seek up to US $25,000 to build youth leadership, strengthen families, and support cultural and environmental education in Windward Oʻahu. Focused on community capacity, the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation prioritizes innovative, collaborative projects that nurture future leaders and enhance the region’s long-term vitality.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools serving Koʻolau communities on Oʻahu in Hawaii can apply for the Koʻolau Pilina Fund, with awards of US $3,000 - US $15,000 to build community resilience and capacity. Grassroots efforts testing new ideas or scaling promising projects may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Hawaii can seek project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based community-benefit nonprofits in areas like homelessness, hunger, literacy, health access, and job readiness where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates.

With a mission to strengthen preservation capacity, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides Hawaii nonprofits and public agencies with funding to plan and promote battlefield and related historic site preservation. Eligible projects include planning, professional consulting, organizational capacity building, and public education or outreach efforts, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $10,000.