Best Grants for Cybersecurity in Hawaii

Nonprofit organizations in Hawaii at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks can seek funding for target hardening, physical security, and related cybersecurity measures. Focused on security preparedness, the State of Hawai‘i Office of Homeland Security supports planning, equipment, training, and exercises to protect soft targets and strengthen relationships with homeland security agencies; individual awards are up to US $200,000.

Graduate-level U.S. students in cybersecurity and related STEM fields needing tuition support can receive scholarships for study at accredited institutions while living in Hawaii or elsewhere in the U.S. AFCEA provides $3,000 awards for tuition and required course expenses to full-time U.S. citizens in their second semester or later with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) institutions and organizations working on Japan–U.S. cybersecurity or related global issues can access funding for joint, policy-oriented research and dialogue projects. Japan Foundation supports collaborative initiatives between U.S. and Japanese nonprofits across themes like cyber security, AI, disaster resilience, and inclusive, technology-enriched societies, with additional relevant countries welcome when grounded in Japan–U.S. cooperation.

Hawaii cybersecurity and other real-time 3D impact projects using platforms like Unity or Unreal can access funding through Unity Technologies’ Unity for Humanity Grant. Legal entities such as studios or nonprofits worldwide, excluding U.S.-sanctioned regions, may receive up to US $500,000 plus technical, marketing, and community support for projects advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Nonprofit organizations running cybersecurity or AI workforce development programs for underrepresented learners in Hawaii and other eligible countries can apply for grants from Kyndryl Charitable Foundation. With a mission to power human progress, the foundation supports technology-enabled education, inclusive economic opportunities, and climate-related innovation through long-term, data-informed partnerships.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM research doctoral programs, including those in Hawaii, can apply for National Science Foundation CREST-RISE support to build research infrastructure and graduate training in areas like cybersecurity and other NSF-supported fields. Awards of US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 strengthen doctoral programs, expand institutional research capacity, and increase STEM PhD completion for underrepresented groups.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related emerging technologies who are U.S. or Australian citizens or permanent residents can receive up to US $40,000 for study between the two countries, including from Hawaii. Focused on security, technology, and diplomacy, the American Australian Association supports tuition, travel, living, and other educational or research costs.

Hawaii graduate-level students and researchers in defence, space, or cybersecurity can access funding through the American Australian Association to conduct PhD or post-doctoral research between the U.S. and South Australia. Awards up to US $40,000 support tuition, travel, living expenses, and other research costs for projects affiliated with eligible universities or research institutions.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related fields in Hawaii can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between the U.S. and Australia. With a mission to foster advanced security, technology, and diplomacy expertise, American Australian Association supports tuition, travel, living, and other educational or research expenses.

U.S.-based open-source ecosystems working on cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields can seek funding to improve the safety, security, and privacy of their platforms, including code and supply chains. With a mission to advance scientific innovation, National Science Foundation provides support that Hawaii cybersecurity projects may leverage for large-scale risk mitigation and resilience efforts, with awards up to US $1,500,000.

Organizations, academic institutions, and individuals working on cybersecurity, AI safety, and other long-term risk mitigation projects, including those in Hawaii, can seek US $1,000 - US $500,000 to launch or grow their work. With a mission to support long-term future projects, Centre for Effective Altruism USA funds research, up-skilling, seed organizations, and movement-building efforts worldwide.

Hawaii research institutions and interdisciplinary teams working on AI-driven energy, environmental, or nuclear science can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy for R&D workflows and novel AI models. Awards of US $500,000 - US $16,000,000 support work in areas such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and related discovery science topics.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college or trade programs in cybersecurity, accounting, emergency services, or skilled trades may be eligible for the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship, including students from Hawaii studying in the U.S. Offered through the Community Foundation of Carroll County, awards support tuition and books and may be renewable with a 3.0 GPA.

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.