Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Hawaii

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Hawaii can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service helps address water and air quality, soil health, erosion, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working on education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including grassroots groups in Hawaii, can apply for McGraw Foundation grants. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital needs across its broad focus areas.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit communities and grassroots organizations in Hawaii and beyond.

Grassroots and community-based organizations in Hawaii working on women’s and children’s immediate and long-term needs can apply for support from The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 fund programs such as homelessness services, job readiness, education, child welfare, food security, anti-trafficking, health care, and disaster relief that build self-sufficiency and resilience.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth with education, health, mentoring, or athletics programs can access funding through the National Football League (NFL) Foundation’s Pro Bowl Community Grant. Grants support grassroots organizations across Hawaii that promote youth development, wellness, abuse prevention, and long-term health services for young people and their families.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Hawaii conducting biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to support small-scale projects and expand student research opportunities. The National Institutes of Health funds institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have historically received limited NIH support, which may include grassroots-serving colleges and universities.

Medical research institutions and organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for basic and clinical studies through this program, including support for research infrastructure. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation help Hawaii health and medical researchers address areas such as cancer, aging-related diseases, heart disease, immunology, genetics, type I diabetes, and blindness prevention, with awards up to US $60,000.

Grassroots groups in Hawaii working on social justice and community organizing can access funding through Hawai'i People's Fund’s Urgent Action Grants, with awards up to Up to US $5,000. Support focuses on change-oriented efforts such as mutual aid, indigenous rights, environmental and economic justice, and other intersecting grassroots responses, especially for Maui wildfire relief.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help investigators, including those collaborating with Hawaii grassroots partners, build independent research careers in areas like cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and environmental health.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including Hawaii-based collaborators working with them, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. This National Institutes of Health program supports projects tied to the applicant’s country health priorities.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for education-focused programs, including tutoring, literacy, scholarships, and youth development, from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 may also support related community initiatives, arts and culture, environmental education, and historic preservation projects serving disadvantaged or youth populations.

Grassroots organizations and other entities in Hawaii planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship that provides tangible benefits like exhibit space or recognition. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, reviewing requests based on alignment, event details, and geographic location, excluding general operating or political activities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and healthy food access can apply for general operating support, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes groups in the U.S., including Hawaii, working on regenerative farming, climate justice, pollution reduction, and inclusive outdoor access.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community development, education, human services, or arts programs in low- and moderate-income communities in Hawaii can apply for program support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of Hawaii Foundation provides well-established organizations with funding, partnerships, and technical assistance; related work in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands may also be eligible.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate degrees in conservation or environmental sciences at accredited four-year institutions can receive scholarship support, based on financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Focused on environmental and conservation fields, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites eligible applicants to the Joseph and Elaine Malama Vierra Scholarship Fund, with preference for past recipients in good academic standing.

Free and charitable clinics in Hawaii that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, offering US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical programs. Funding can support services like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, mobile clinics, chronic disease management, and other patient-centered care for underserved communities.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in Illinois can receive scholarship support for full-time study at accredited two- or four-year institutions. With a mission to support education in conservation fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides academic scholarships that may benefit grassroots environmental education and stewardship efforts connected to Hawaii-based organizations’ work or partnerships.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities seeking major capital funding for community development, education, human services, or arts facilities can access funding through Bank of Hawaii Foundation. Established organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities, including those focused on affordable housing, financial literacy, and basic needs, may be strong candidates for these predominantly capital grants.

Research scientists planning agriculture, forestry, food, or fisheries events in OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries, including Hawaii-based researchers hosting elsewhere, can seek support for conferences, workshops, or symposia. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge on sustainable natural resource use, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides funding to share innovative research with policymakers, industry, and academia.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program addresses the urgent need to protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. With over 10,000 native species at risk from invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss, this program focuses on restoring watershed functions, enhancing bird habitats, and promoting resilient coral reef ecosystems. By funding targeted conservation projects, NFWF aims to safeguard the islands' endemic species and restore the health of critical ecosystems vital for future generations.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program, established in 2005, supports innovative community-based environmental projects aimed at improving local watersheds and water supplies. Open to organizations within American Water service areas, it funds activities like watershed cleanup and biodiversity projects. Selection criteria emphasize project clarity, design innovation, community collaboration, sustainability, and engagement. This program reflects Illinois American Water's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support, ensuring clean and reliable water resources for all.