Best Grants for Charities in Hawaii

The Henry A Zuberano Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to young individuals in Hawai'i seeking to develop leadership skills in government and community affairs. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

Our Vision

We envision an equitable and vibrant Hawai‘i where all of our island communities thrive.

Our Mission

We inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawai‘i.

Maui Strong Fund Grant - Economic Recovery & Resilience RFP

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to support the economic recovery and longterm resilience of Lahaina following the 2023 wildfires. This funding aims to restore livelihoods and catalyze community-driven economic development that reflects the Lahaina community’s cultural values and future vision.

This RFP is designed to complement existing federal, state, and county programs, as well as prior philanthropic investments, including support for the interim marketplace. The Foundation is particularly interested in opportunities that both address immediate recovery needs and lay the groundwork for a more resilient, locally rooted, and equitable economy, including advancing regenerative and ecotourism-based economic models that prioritize community benefit and environmental stewardship.

The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program specifically designed for students with disabilities. This needs-based scholarship assists eligible individuals in pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Since its inception in 1981, the program has expanded to provide multiple scholarships annually, allowing recipients to reapply for up to four years of support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in California or Hawaii, and demonstrate financial need while having a qualifying disability.

Family Literacy

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits that build the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Two‑year grants will enable organizations to equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to guide learning and language development at home for children from birth through age eight.

The plan notes that foundational literacy skills include print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and oral language development. Applicants should describe how their program develops one or more of these foundational literacy skills.

The Hawaiʻi State Early Literacy Guide further describes early literacy concepts, Birth–Preschool to

Kindergarten–3rd transitions, and developmental continuums for implicit and explicit acquisition.  The following focus areas were informed by advisory committee input and donor funding priorities. Funds must be used to support family literacy efforts that strengthen the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Proposed projects should focus on families with young children, from birth through age eight, and “equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies to guide children’s learning activities and language experiences at home.” 

Priority will be given to applications that:

• Serve under-resourced communities, including families experiencing economic hardship, immigrant or refugee families, rural communities, and others with limited access to high-quality literacy supports
• Implement evidence-based family literacy practices or programs, including nationally recognized models adapted to reflect local cultures, languages, and community contexts

All funded projects must also:

• Include an assessment or evaluation component to monitor implementation and measure progress toward family literacy outcomes
• Describe how project staff and partners will be prepared to implement family literacy effectively, which may include professional learning or training for educators, family engagement staff, or community partners
• Engage community-based partnerships to build trust, increase participation, and ensure programming is responsive to families’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds

The Laura Jean Armstrong Fund, established in memory of Dr. Laura Jean Armstrong, supports graduate students pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing or Public Health. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawai'i, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund honors Dr. Armstrong's legacy of dedication to improving health and welfare in underserved communities.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation invites applications for its 2026 funding cycle, aimed at enhancing Native Hawaiian early education through culturally relevant programs. Eligible organizations should provide dual-language and culture-based programming for children of all races. The foundation emphasizes the importance of high-quality early education that incorporates indigenous values. Interested applicants must discuss their project plans and budgets, ensuring multiple funding sources are secured. Key deadlines for application submissions are December 22, 2025, May 4, 2026, and September 7, 2026.

The Hawaii Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program provides financial support aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing home residents. These funds, generated from penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities, can be utilized for various initiatives, including resident relocation assistance, consumer involvement projects, and facility improvement efforts. This program reflects a commitment to improving care standards and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations in nursing homes across Hawaii.

The AlohaCare Scholarships program, managed by the AlohaCare Foundation, provides financial support for AlohaCare members and their families pursuing careers in healthcare or social services. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 to assist with educational expenses such as tuition, books, and testing fees. The initiative aims to tackle challenges in healthcare access and workforce development in Hawaiʻi, fostering a stronger community dedicated to serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

The Teresa F. Hughes Trust Grant provides financial assistance to qualified elderly adults and children in Hawaii. The grant aims to support those in financial need, particularly seniors over 70 and children under 18 who have experienced abuse or neglect. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to assist with essential needs such as healthcare, educational expenses, and basic living requirements, enhancing the quality of life for these vulnerable populations.

The Mike and Betty Ben Paddling Scholarship Fund, established in 2020, supports Hawaii residents who graduated from a Hawaii Island public high school and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and encourages paddlers, offering preference to those with a GPA of 2.25 or higher. Previous recipients meeting eligibility may reapply. The fund aims to empower local students pursuing higher education.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Kosasa Foundation's Community-Based Environmental Stewardship Grant aims to enhance environmental resilience in Hawai'i by fostering community engagement and stewardship. This program supports nonprofits focused on clear environmental goals, integrating local knowledge with scientific methods, and driving policy changes for impactful results. The foundation prioritizes deep community involvement and measurable progress, ensuring meaningful participation in addressing environmental challenges. By empowering the youth and local communities, the grant seeks to preserve Hawai'i's unique ecosystems for future generations.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship supports graduate studies at the University of Hawai‘i, aimed at promoting better relations among the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Established in 1960, this fellowship seeks to enhance understanding through cooperative study and research. Eligible applicants include citizens and permanent residents from various countries in the Pacific, Southeast, South, and East Asia, who hold a relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP)The Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP) supports projects that provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop industry segment in Hawai‘i. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i-grown specialty crops, in either the domestic or foreign markets. Performance Reports Over the course of the 12 month project, subawardees are required to document their progress. This includes outcomes/accomplishments, challenges or positive developments, upcoming activities, and expenditures. Subawardees will report these project results to DAB by submitting performance reports: an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. FY22 and FY23 subawardees are required to submit both an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. An Interim Progress Report is expected six months after a subawardees’ project contract signed date. A Final Performance Report is due within thirty (30) days after project contract completion. Subawardees should keep a copy of their application, as it will be needed to complete the Final Performance Report at the close of the 12 month project.