Best Grants for Land Conservation in Hawaii

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions to strengthen community programs. Funding is for monetary requests only and may benefit land conservation groups that also run youth, education, or human services initiatives in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to human services and social problems can apply for Creag Foundation support, including those based in Hawaii. Funding focuses on new ways to address societal issues, which may include land and habitat conservation when tied to broader community, environmental, or public benefit outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can apply for grants up to US $15,000 from the DanPaul Foundation. Focus areas include child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, clean air and water, and refugee enrichment, which may benefit Hawaii groups integrating environmental education or land and habitat stewardship into youth programs.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Hawaii and worldwide can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. Awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Private landowners with at least 5 contiguous forested acres in Hawaii can apply for the Forest Stewardship Program, which offers cost-share support for long-term forest management and restoration. Administered by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, it can help conserve land, improve habitat, and enhance watershed and wildfire resilience.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs may be eligible for large-scale support, including organizations in Hawaii. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help expand direct services that address chronic poverty, economic independence, family strengthening, housing, food access, and related community needs at regional or national scale.

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.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Environmental and land-focused nonprofits in Hawaii can seek support for conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, or related community projects through La Roche’s global corporate philanthropy. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver innovative, sustainable initiatives that may also engage employees and local partners in environmental, educational, social, or contemporary arts activities.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related needs can apply for Bank of America Foundation’s sponsorship support. Funding may benefit land or habitat conservation projects that intersect with neighborhood preservation, environmental stewardship, or broader community revitalization efforts in low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools serving Hawaii that work on nearshore marine and coastal conservation can apply for the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation’s Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation Grant, with awards from US $100 - US $4,000,000. Grants support projects improving nearshore ocean health, governance, and community-based management, which may benefit land and habitat conservation efforts in Hawaii.

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 Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs, including those serving Hawaii, can seek Ameriprise Financial support for hunger relief, housing, job readiness, and cultural enrichment initiatives. Grants prioritize measurable outcomes, financial stability, and strong Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteer engagement, with added preference for organizations near key Ameriprise employee centers.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families, including those in Hawaii, can apply for Nordstrom’s Community Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 in unrestricted support. Organizations serving communities near Nordstrom store locations may benefit, including those whose work complements local land and community stewardship efforts.

Grants supporting coral reef conservation and restoration in Hawaii and other U.S. reef areas are available to organizations working on reef management, science, and threat reduction. Grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help fund projects reducing land-based pollution, improving reef fisheries management, and building capacity for large-scale reef restoration and resilience efforts. Awards range from US $80,000 - US $600,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental, humanitarian, or related causes in Hawaii can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support their programs. Hansen Family Foundation supports environmental preservation, pollution and contamination issues, environmental justice, and other charitable initiatives, with a preference for communities connected to its board but open to U.S.-based groups worldwide.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health, social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Eligible U.S.-based charities in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas may request project, general operating, or capital support, which could indirectly benefit land and habitat conservation efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental and land conservation efforts in Hawaii can seek flexible operating or program support through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants are unrestricted and can include reasonable indirect costs for qualifying conservation and human services work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that incorporate land, habitat, or community greening projects may be especially relevant for land conservation efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on land, habitat, or broader nature and wildlife conservation in Hawaii and the Southern U.S. can seek project funding that creates tangible, meaningful impact. Robinson Foundation also considers programs in poverty relief, disaster relief, education, medical assistance, veterans’ issues, and support for children, families, and spiritual endeavors.

Hawaii nonprofit organizations leading strong, replicable community partnerships can access funding recognition through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. Land and habitat conservation groups in Hawaii that collaborate with public, private, or social sector partners to address significant social or environmental issues may be eligible.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Hawaii nonprofits and qualifying organizations with funding to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant and to support disaster relief, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, social services, or humanitarian aid, including those integrating land or habitat conservation into their missions, may be eligible.

Hawaii nonprofits addressing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can access funding through TJX Foundation if they are 501(c)(3)s located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Organizations working near TJX locations that also advance land or habitat conservation may be eligible if they meet the mission and policy requirements.

About the Legacy Land Conservation Program

Despite the regulation of land use and development in Hawai‘i, lands that hold important resource values are often unprotected, inaccessible, and threatened with damage and destruction.

In 2005, the State Legislature found that “the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the State’s land, coastal areas, and natural resources are of central importance for current and future residents and for the state economy” and established real estate conveyance tax revenue as a source of permanent, adequate funding to purchase and manage land for public benefit through conservation. The Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP) uses this funding (held in the Land Conservation Fund) to facilitate competitive grant awards for State agencies, counties, and nonprofit land conservation organizations that strive to acquire and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered resources. After a land purchase is completed, LLCP monitors the condition of the property and its resources to assure that the property is managed consistently with the purposes for which it was awarded a LLCP grant and Chapter 173A, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Land Acquisition Grant

The Land Acquisition Grant supports a State agency, county, or nonprofit land conservation organization to acquire interests in land for protecting exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered natural and cultural resources. Grant funding may be used to purchase land outright (fee title/fee ownership) or to acquire a conservation easement that permanently safeguards land and resources by limiting the scope of a fee owner’s land use and resource management practices.

For Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), $5.3 million in grant funds is expected to be available for land acquisition grant awards.