Best Grants for Museums in Hawaii

Hawaii museums and other community-based nonprofits planning new AmeriCorps programs can seek funding to design and prepare to manage future member-based service initiatives. Grants from Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service help Hawaii organizations build capacity through planning support, training, and technical assistance, with awards up to Up to US $75,000 for evidence-informed program models.

The Pacific Branch John Henry Comstock Award honors an exemplary graduate student in entomology within the Pacific Branch. This award aims to foster enthusiasm for entomology at the graduate level and encourage participation in the Pacific Branch and ESA Annual Meetings. The winner will present at the Pacific Branch Meeting and receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, covering airfare, hotel, registration, and per diem.

The G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant for Capital Projects supports small capital initiatives or equipment expenses under $500,000. It primarily targets 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii, emphasizing community service and board participation. Eligible projects include renovations and equipment purchases, while the Trust prefers to be one of several funding sources. Notably, grants are not provided for individuals, real estate purchases, or deficit funding. A single request per organization is permitted annually.

The G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant - General Operating provides funding to established 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii, particularly on Kauai. This grant supports various fields including arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations must demonstrate a strong relationship with the Trust and ensure 100% board financial participation. The Trust prioritizes sustainability and limits grant requests to one per year per organization, fostering long-term partnerships for impactful community service.

The Hawaii Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program provides financial support aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing home residents. These funds, generated from penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities, can be utilized for various initiatives, including resident relocation assistance, consumer involvement projects, and facility improvement efforts. This program reflects a commitment to improving care standards and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations in nursing homes across Hawaii.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) offers a grant program to improve facilities on existing homesteads, supporting Native Hawaiian communities. This initiative enhances infrastructure, health services, and cultural facilities, fostering sustainable development. Nonprofits and community associations can apply for funding to strengthen homestead communities and increase access to vital services. Grants are awarded based on project readiness, organizational capacity, and community involvement, aiming to improve the quality of life for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

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.

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.

Crime Victim Compensation Commission

The Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission) was created in 1967 by the Hawai‘i Legislature to alleviate the physical, mental and financial hardships suffered by victims of violent crime. The Commission provides compensation to victims of violent crimes for their crime-related injuries and losses, and to “Good Samaritans” for injuries or property damage suffered in the prevention of a crime or apprehension of a criminal. 

Crime Victim Compensation Program

Benefits

The Commission is a payor of last resort and provides compensation for the following unreimbursed expenses:

• Medical and mental health counseling expenses that are not covered by other sources.
• Lost earnings or support that is not covered by other sources.
• Funeral and burial expenses that are not covered by other sources.
• Acknowledgement award for victims only. Acknowledgement awards are symbolic in nature and are awarded to acknowledge a victim’s suffering. Such awards are not intended to quantify physical and/or emotional losses suffered as the result of a crime.
• Pecuniary loss directly resulting from the injury or death of the victim.
• Property damage (“Good Samaritans” only).

The Commission is a payor of last resort. The Commission may pay compensation only after all other sources have been exhausted. An award may be reduced by amounts received from Workers’ Compensation, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Civil Suits, Temporary Disability Insurance or Restitution from the offender. You must file timely claims with Workers’ Compensation, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance and your medical insurance carrier. You must reimburse the Commission if you receive moneys from these sources.

How do I apply for compensation?

Report the crime to law enforcement officials (police, naval investigative service, military police or Federal Bureau of Investigation) without undue delay. Obtain an application by downloading the document, or by contacting the Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission) office. Submit your application to the Commission within 18 months of the crime date. Applications will only be accepted after 18 months if there is a good cause letter from a physician or therapist.

Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP)The Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP) supports projects that provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop industry segment in Hawai‘i. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i-grown specialty crops, in either the domestic or foreign markets. Performance Reports Over the course of the 12 month project, subawardees are required to document their progress. This includes outcomes/accomplishments, challenges or positive developments, upcoming activities, and expenditures. Subawardees will report these project results to DAB by submitting performance reports: an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. FY22 and FY23 subawardees are required to submit both an Interim Progress Report and a Final Performance Report. An Interim Progress Report is expected six months after a subawardees’ project contract signed date. A Final Performance Report is due within thirty (30) days after project contract completion. Subawardees should keep a copy of their application, as it will be needed to complete the Final Performance Report at the close of the 12 month project.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division

CPJAD serves as the central agency to provide the Attorney General, the chief law enforcement officer of Hawaii, with the information and resources needed to address crime and crime prevention. This enables the Attorney General to facilitate and coordinate efforts to improve the criminal justice system and to encourage community partnerships in addressing crime.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Formula Grant (JAG)

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Grants & Planning Branch, is the State Administering Agency (SAA) for JAG funds. JAG can be utilized for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, strategic planning, research and evaluation (including forensics), data collection, training, personnel, equipment, forensic laboratories, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice information systems that will improve and enhance the criminal justice system.

JAG Federal Program Areas And State Priority Areas

When applying for JAG funds, applicants must address one of the following Federal Program Areas and one of the following State Priority Areas.

Federal Program Areas 

• Law Enforcement Programs
• Prosecution and Court Programs
• Prevention and Education Programs
• Corrections and Community Corrections Programs
• Drug Treatment and Enforcement Programs
• Planning, Evaluation, and Technology Improvement Programs
• Mental Health Programs and Related Law Enforcement and Corrections Programs, Including Behavioral Programs and Crisis Intervention Teams
• Implementation of State Crisis Intervention Court Proceedings and Related Programs or Initiatives

State Priority Areas

• Decrease the impact of drug crime in Hawaii
• Decrease the barriers to community integration (including prevention and reentry efforts)
• Support capacity building and coordination efforts in Hawaii’s Criminal Justice System
• Support responses to address urgent/emergent criminal justice issues

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship supports graduate studies at the University of Hawai‘i, aimed at promoting better relations among the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Established in 1960, this fellowship seeks to enhance understanding through cooperative study and research. Eligible applicants include citizens and permanent residents from various countries in the Pacific, Southeast, South, and East Asia, who hold a relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Obuchi Student Scholarship, offered by the East-West Center, supports Okinawan residents pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, this scholarship aims to foster human resource development to address Okinawa's needs. It emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service, prioritizing students in fields beneficial to Okinawan development. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Japanese governments to enhance educational opportunities for Okinawan students.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Hawaii planning historic preservation projects or education efforts can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000. Museums with preservation planning, outreach, or capacity-building work may be eligible, including activities like consulting, staff time, community forums, and innovative public programming.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

The Sam and Mary Cooke Preservation Fund for Hawai’i, established in partnership with the National Trust and the Historic Hawai’i Foundation, aims to support preservation projects across Hawai’i. With an annual grant budget of $15,000, eligible activities include consulting services, preservation workshops, and innovative educational programs. Organizations such as nonprofits and public agencies can apply, ensuring they adhere to non-discrimination policies and match funding requirements. This initiative fosters the conservation of historic sites for future generations.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

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 FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

America250 Grant for Hawaiʻi Veterans

In celebration of the United States of America’s bicentennial, America250, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) allocated funding to state arts agencies nationwide to support arts projects celebrating the nation’s artistic heritage and creativity.

The project must celebrate America 250 through arts-based projects or programs directly focused on Hawaiʻi veterans. All project activities must be implemented in the State of Hawaiʻi. Proposals can include activities that honor veterans or improve the health and well-being of military and veteran communities. Examples of possible projects are arts and healing programs, visual arts, StoryCorps, spoken word, film, exhibition, performance, historical/heritage interpretations, and living history projects.

The Perry & Sally Sorenson Scholarship Fund supports foster youth in Hawai'i who demonstrate financial need. Established in 2005, it assists individuals aged 18 to 25 who have aged out of the foster care system, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to empower young adults transitioning from foster care to pursue higher education and build a better future.

The Paulina L. Sorg Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in Nursing or Physical Therapy, honoring the legacy of Ms. Paulina Sorg, a former health department worker dedicated to maternal and child health. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be Hawaii residents. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship not only aids deserving students but also perpetuates Ms. Sorg's commitment to healthcare.

The Sam and Pauline Suemi Leong Scholarship Fund, established in 2016 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. This renewable scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic performance, with average awards around $6,000. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents, first-generation college students, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to empower local students and foster educational opportunities within the community.

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.

The Safeway Foundation Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Safeway Foundation in 2008, supports Hawaii residents pursuing college education in the state. With awards ranging from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, the average scholarship is approximately $6,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and those connected to Safeway Hawaii.

The HSFCA Artists in the Schools General Grant aims to enhance educational experiences in Hawai'i by integrating art into classrooms. With a maximum funding of $7,000 and a required 10% match from participating schools, this grant supports collaborations between teaching artists and educators, focusing on creativity and cultural relevance. The program emphasizes student-centered education and educational equality, ensuring that diverse learning needs are met through engaging arts residencies.