Best Grants for Museums in Hawaii

The Gee Hing Chinese Company Charitable Trust offers General Capital Grants to support the promotion and preservation of Chinese culture and history in Hawaii, particularly in North and South Kona. The Trust focuses on funding small capital projects and equipment for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are considered annually, with a requirement for a final report before future requests. This initiative enhances cultural heritage and community engagement in Hawaii.

The Janet Y. Sato Na Lima Paheona Scholarship Fund supports Maui high school graduates pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, be Hawaii residents with a minimum GPA of 2.7, and provide a letter of recommendation. This fund aims to empower local students in various artistic fields, including music, dance, and graphic design, fostering creativity and educational growth within the community.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Big Island teens ages 11–18 can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to run programs in areas like arts, education, environment, health, and community. With a mission to assist local youth with higher needs and limited access, John M. Ross Foundation also considers museum-related initiatives benefiting these teens.

The Gee Hing Chinese Company Charitable Trust provides annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii focused on promoting Chinese culture and preserving the history of Chinese communities, particularly in North and South Kona. Grants support projects that enhance the Tong Wo Tong Chinese Cemetery and related cultural initiatives. Eligible organizations must submit a final report before requesting additional funding. The Trust does not fund individuals, endowments, or deficit financing, ensuring the support is directed toward meaningful cultural preservation.

The G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Hawaii. Founded by George Norton Wilcox, the grant prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community development. Notably, the grant is limited to one application per year from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring focused support for impactful projects. This philanthropic effort continues Wilcox's legacy of improving living conditions and fostering community well-being.

The Frederic Duclos Barstow Foundation for American Samoans Grant aims to enhance education for the youth of American Samoa. It supports diverse initiatives, including assistance to schools, cultural education centers, and programs promoting health and arts. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations in American Samoa and educational institutions in Hawaii. The foundation specifically focuses on projects benefiting youth, fostering their growth and opportunities within their community.

The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Hawaii, with a focus on Kauai Island. This private foundation prioritizes tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate broad community impact. Eligible projects span various fields, including arts, education, health, and human services. The foundation emphasizes significant board participation and accepts fiscal sponsors, ensuring a strong commitment to the community's needs.

The Chun Foundation Grant Program supports medical research and care for children under 15 in Hawaii. Established in 1994, the foundation honors the legacy of its founder's family by providing financial assistance to community organizations that help children with diseases. Eligible recipients must be local children in need, and funds are allocated for medical expenses not covered by insurance, including transportation costs for treatment. This initiative aims to alleviate the healthcare burden on families.

The Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. Scholarship Fund supports students from Hawaii pursuing degrees in civil engineering, nursing, or education. Established by a company with a long history in Hawaii, this fund aims to give back to the community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.0, and be either college juniors or seniors. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet the criteria and are in good standing.

The Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund honors Seigo and Hisaye Kagawa, providing support for Kauai residents pursuing graduate studies in social justice, public service, education, or health. Established in 2016, it aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and commit to full-time studies at colleges in Hawaii or the mainland. This initiative encourages future leaders to engage with their communities and contribute to meaningful change.

The Ida M. Pope Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Ida M. Pope Trust, supports female students of Hawaiian ancestry pursuing degrees in STEM fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Applicants must be residents of Hawai'i, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and provide ancestry verification. This scholarship aims to empower women in STEM disciplines and enhance educational opportunities for the Hawaiian community.

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 Ichiro & Masako Hirata Scholarship, established in 2005 by Masako Hirata, supports Hawaii residents majoring in Education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students in their junior, senior, or graduate years. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This scholarship aims to foster academic achievement and good moral character among its beneficiaries.

The Ho'oulu Hawaiian Language Scholarship Fund aims to support students dedicated to preserving and advancing the Hawaiian language. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, be undergraduate students, and enroll in a college or university in Hawaii, majoring in Hawaiian Language. This scholarship is especially geared towards students of Hawaiian ethnicity and is renewable for up to four years, provided the GPA requirement is met.

The Ho'omaka Hou - A New Beginning Fund, established by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers scholarships to individuals in Hawaii who have faced significant life challenges, such as substance abuse or domestic violence. This fund supports those who recognize the importance of education in transforming their lives. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing, with preferences given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria.

The Hon Chew Hee Scholarship Fund, established in 2009 by The Hon Chew Hee Estate Foundation, supports Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in Fine Arts. This scholarship prioritizes students specializing in painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, printmaking, or textiles, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to previous recipients who maintain eligibility. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation, including one from an art teacher.

The Hokuli`a Foundation Scholarship Fund, in collaboration with the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aims to provide scholarships to residents of the Kona community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and plan to study in fields such as Healthcare, Education, or Social Work while emphasizing the advancement of Native Hawaiian culture.

The Hideko & Zenzo Matsuyama Scholarship Fund, established in 2006, supports students of Japanese ancestry residing in Hawaii. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be graduates of a Hawaii high school or equivalent. Preference is given to prior recipients who remain eligible and are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing higher education and maintain their cultural heritage.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Hew-Shinn Scholarship Fund honors A.K. Hew's parents and emphasizes education's importance. This scholarship is available to Maui County residents enrolled in accredited vocational programs, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a letter of recommendation. The application deadline aligns with the pre-proposal deadline, ensuring timely consideration for interested students.

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.

Veteran- and first responder–serving organizations in Hawaii that provide wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs can apply for support from the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Gridiron Veterans Scholarship. Funding may cover mental health services, physical therapy, adaptive training, strength and conditioning, and holistic wellness resources to improve participants’ resilience and quality of life.

The Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, aims to support students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, good character, and academic merit. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet requirements. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in social work and related fields, fostering opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits.

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2022, aims to support students from Hawaii Island pursuing higher education. The fund prioritizes applicants who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and focus on sustainable or renewable energy careers. Preference is given to previous recipients who remain eligible. This initiative embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities that contribute positively to the community and the environment.

The Karen and Gerry Keir Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of Hawaii pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to college juniors and seniors, as well as previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower students in their academic journeys.