Best Grants for Global Health in Hawaii

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Hawaii and the Western Pacific provides crucial funding for communities facing emergencies that threaten their access to safe drinking water. This program supports rural areas by offering financial assistance for water transmission and source projects, helping to restore and maintain water supply systems after events like droughts, floods, or chemical spills. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, ensuring broad access to essential resources.

The Holomua Marine Initiative Strengthening Community Advocacy Grant, offered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to enhance advocacy capacity in community organizations across Hawai‘i. This funding opportunity supports groups working towards effective management of nearshore marine resources through a one-year Community Advocacy Cohort. Grants, up to $10,000, will assist in training and capacity-building initiatives, fostering collaboration, and strengthening advocacy knowledge to achieve local policy goals. Applications are encouraged from eligible community organizations.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of Wayne Ellis, established by Hale Kauai, supports residents of Kauai, Hawaii, who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship particularly favors recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. It aims to assist students pursuing a degree in business, promoting educational growth within the community.

The Hawai'i Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to protect vital forest lands from development while supporting landowners in preserving their properties. This federal initiative, overseen by the State of Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, encourages sustainable practices, safeguards endangered species, and promotes watershed health. By purchasing conservation easements, the program helps landowners manage costs without sacrificing their land's ecological and cultural value. Interested parties should consult with the program manager well ahead of the July application deadline.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The West Hawai‘i Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in West Hawai‘i, from North Kohala to Ocean View Estates. It aims to enhance community resilience, promote equitable access to services, and strengthen organizational capacity. The fund prioritizes projects that foster connections within the community, ensuring long-term sustainability and vibrant support for local residents. With multiple grant rounds each year, it provides essential resources for impactful community initiatives.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. By focusing on governance, strategic relationships, and staff training, this grant supports projects that strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that directly benefit foster children, ensuring their critical needs are met effectively.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation provides Enhancement Grants aimed at improving the lives of foster children. The program focuses on offering essential items and services, ensuring that these children can experience a quality of life comparable to their peers. It operates under the belief that every child is unique and deserves support for their growth and development.

The Edward Yoshiharu Sakuma & Kay Kubo Sakuma Education Honors Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to alleviate the shortage of qualified public school teachers in Hawaii. This scholarship is offered to full-time graduate students at the University of Hawaii - Manoa College of Education who demonstrate financial need and are committed to teaching in the state's public school system. Eligible candidates should have a strong character and leadership experience.

The K.M. Hatano Scholarship Fund, established in 1987 by Mr. Yasuji Hatano, supports academically excellent individuals from Maui, Lanai, and Molokai who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those pursuing business management or visitor industry majors. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and community engagement among Hawaii's youth.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, funded by FEMA, aims to enhance flood risk awareness and management in communities across Region 9. With a total funding of $41 million, the program supports the development of crucial flood hazard data and mapping, empowering local entities to make informed decisions on flood risk reduction. This initiative fosters collaboration among government agencies and the private sector, ensuring effective planning and response to flooding challenges.

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hawai‘i Community Foundation invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society.

We administer a number of grantmaking programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. Hawai‘i Community Foundation also assists several private foundations in delivering their grantmaking programs according to their specific strategies.

Youth ESD Prevention

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity (FO) is to prevent the use of Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs) and other tobacco products by Hawai‘i youth under age 18. HCF seeks proposals from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations to address the youth ESD epidemic in Hawai‘i in alignment with federal and state goals for tobacco prevention and control by equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to refuse experimentation and use of ESDs, and by engaging parents, caregivers, and other adult influencers of youth under 18 to raise awareness about the harms of ESDs and to build skills in preventing youth ESD use in their families and communities.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Herman Sr. and Efifania "Fanny" Libarios Memorial Scholarship, established in 2021, aims to support students from Kona, Hawaii in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship offers vital financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The John Dawe Dental Education Fund honors Dr. John H. Dawe's dedication to the dental community in Hawai'i. It supports students pursuing dentistry or related fields, emphasizing financial need and good academic standing. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawai'i and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund aims to foster the next generation of dental professionals in the region.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The William Lew Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing associate degrees in culinary arts and bachelor's degrees in business. Established in 2013, it honors William Lew's memory. Eligible applicants must be Hawaiian residents of Chinese ethnicity, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications, with a preference for returning recipients who meet eligibility criteria.

The Ouida Mundy Hill Memorial Fund, established in 2001, offers scholarships to Hawaii students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This fund aims to support the educational journey of deserving students, ensuring they have access to post-secondary education opportunities.