Best Grants for Museums in Hawaii

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Kosasa Foundation's Community-Based Environmental Stewardship Grant aims to enhance environmental resilience in Hawai'i by fostering community engagement and stewardship. This program supports nonprofits focused on clear environmental goals, integrating local knowledge with scientific methods, and driving policy changes for impactful results. The foundation prioritizes deep community involvement and measurable progress, ensuring meaningful participation in addressing environmental challenges. By empowering the youth and local communities, the grant seeks to preserve Hawai'i's unique ecosystems for future generations.

The Kosasa Foundation's Creative Capacity Grants Program aims to enhance cultural authenticity and support artistic growth in Hawai'i. By focusing on innovative projects, the program seeks to engage diverse audiences and strengthen the organizational capacity of nonprofits. This initiative responds to the evolving needs of the community following recent challenges, such as the pandemic and wildfires, ensuring long-term sustainability for vital cultural organizations.

The Kosasa Foundation Opportunity Youth Grant aims to support organizations that assist Opportunity Youth (ages 16-24) who are disconnected from education and employment in Hawaii. The initiative focuses on fostering pathways to success through educational and workforce programs, creating a network of shared learning among grantees, and collecting vital data to understand the challenges faced by these young adults. The foundation emphasizes diverse approaches to ensure that all youth have resources and support to thrive.

Family Literacy

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits that build the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Two‑year grants will enable organizations to equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to guide learning and language development at home for children from birth through age eight.

The plan notes that foundational literacy skills include print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and oral language development. Applicants should describe how their program develops one or more of these foundational literacy skills.

The Hawaiʻi State Early Literacy Guide further describes early literacy concepts, Birth–Preschool to

Kindergarten–3rd transitions, and developmental continuums for implicit and explicit acquisition.  The following focus areas were informed by advisory committee input and donor funding priorities. Funds must be used to support family literacy efforts that strengthen the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Proposed projects should focus on families with young children, from birth through age eight, and “equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies to guide children’s learning activities and language experiences at home.” 

Priority will be given to applications that:

• Serve under-resourced communities, including families experiencing economic hardship, immigrant or refugee families, rural communities, and others with limited access to high-quality literacy supports
• Implement evidence-based family literacy practices or programs, including nationally recognized models adapted to reflect local cultures, languages, and community contexts

All funded projects must also:

• Include an assessment or evaluation component to monitor implementation and measure progress toward family literacy outcomes
• Describe how project staff and partners will be prepared to implement family literacy effectively, which may include professional learning or training for educators, family engagement staff, or community partners
• Engage community-based partnerships to build trust, increase participation, and ensure programming is responsive to families’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds

The Rural Business Development Grants in Hawaii and the Western Pacific aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. These grants are designed for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue, focusing on projects that benefit rural areas outside urban centers. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations, with funding prioritizing smaller requests, ensuring impactful community economic development.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

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 Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) public charities, as well as K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities in Hawaii that are within an American Water service territory can seek funding for water, people, and community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, American Water Works Company provides support for projects tied to clean water, conservation, and water resource management.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Hawaii empower eligible organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their homes. This program promotes community involvement, where participants contribute labor while receiving crucial technical support. Funding ensures families gain essential skills and resources, facilitating their journey toward homeownership. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring a diverse range of support for community-driven housing solutions.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

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.

Hawaii manufacturers, including museum-operated production or fabrication facilities, can seek reimbursement funding for equipment, training, energy efficiency, and facility planning costs. With a mission to develop Hawaii’s technology sector, Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation provides up to US $1,500 - US $100,000 in matching support to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and growth in the state’s manufacturing sector.

Hawaii nonprofits needing capital construction funding can apply for reimbursement-based Capital Improvement Project grants to support facility projects. With a mission to strengthen community services, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Office of Community Services provides Hawaii organizations with support when they are state-incorporated, properly licensed or accredited, and compliant with nondiscrimination and governance requirements; museums meeting these standards may be eligible.

Organizations and beneficiary-led partnerships working to build community capacity in Hawaii’s Native Hawaiian homestead communities can seek funding for planning, governance, outreach, and internal systems. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands offers up to US $20,000 to support beneficiary-driven projects that strengthen homestead lessee communities and their long-term visions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations leading economic recovery and resilience efforts in Lahaina, Hawaii can apply for Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund grants, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000. Projects should restore livelihoods, support wildfire-affected communities, and advance community-driven, culturally grounded, and environmentally responsible economic development models, including regenerative and ecotourism initiatives that museums may participate in.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.