Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Hawaii

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Hawaii can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve environmental quality, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Hawaii provides support for soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient agriculture projects.

New 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations in Hawaii and nationwide working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation’s grants. This funding, typically US $2,000 - US $10,000, may support general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs for qualifying nonprofits.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from the American Water Works Association. Focused on actionable solutions for current water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit students connected with new or emerging nonprofits in Hawaii.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through humanitarian aid, education, job readiness, homelessness services, or child welfare can access funding in Hawaii via The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 prioritize building self-sufficiency, sustainability, and resilience, and may help newer nonprofits expand or replicate effective programs serving vulnerable populations.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, mentoring, abuse prevention, or athletics programs can access funding through the National Football League (NFL) Foundation’s Pro Bowl Community Grant. Grants support youth-focused services and community wellbeing, which may benefit newer nonprofits building or expanding programs across the state.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Hawaii conducting biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. The National Institutes of Health funds work in areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other biomedical fields at schools that meet its NIH-funding eligibility limits.

Medical research institutions and eligible organizations in Hawaii can receive up to US $60,000 to support basic and clinical research and related infrastructure. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation help Hawaii health and medicine programs studying cancer, aging, heart disease, immunology, genetics, type I diabetes, blindness prevention, and other priority conditions build local research capacity.

Grassroots social justice groups in Hawaii can receive up to US $5,000 for urgent community organizing and mutual aid efforts, especially those aiding Maui wildfire survivors. Grants from Hawai'i People's Fund help new and emerging nonprofits and non-501(c)(3) collectives advance racial, economic, environmental, and indigenous justice for marginalized communities statewide.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- and middle-income countries, including Hawaii-based organizations collaborating with LMIC scientists, can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health support mentored career development and independent clinical research across diverse disease and health fields.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries, including those with ties to Hawaii, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored research and career development. This NIH Fogarty award supports 3–5 years of protected time to build an independent research career.

New and established 501(c)(3) organizations offering educational, youth, arts, or community programs in the U.S., including Hawaii, can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support scholarships, tutoring, after-school and youth initiatives, arts education, libraries, food pantries, shelters, environmental education, and historic preservation projects.

Organizations and institutions in Hawaii planning congresses, events, or initiatives in neuroscience, neurology, or related disease areas can seek corporate sponsorship that provides tangible marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation provides Hawaii nonprofits and other eligible entities with event-based funding opportunities that may help new organizations build visibility while advancing work in areas like Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and stroke.

New or established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or those with a fiscal sponsor, working on grassroots environmental, climate justice, or sustainable food system initiatives can apply for general operating support, including in Hawaii. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, prioritizing U.S.-based groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8M.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii running community development, education, human services, or arts programs for low- and moderate-income communities can seek program support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of Hawaii Foundation provides well-established organizations with funding, partnerships, and technical assistance rather than general operating support.

Students in Hawaii pursuing undergraduate degrees in conservation, environmental sciences, or related fields can receive scholarship support for study at accredited four-year institutions. Focused on conservation and environmental disciplines, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants who demonstrate financial need, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and meet the fund’s academic and residency requirements.

New or early-stage free and charitable clinics in Hawaii that are NAFC members can apply for the Healthcare Services Expansion Fund; awards US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or growing clinical services. Funding from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics can support programs like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease care, and mobile or outreach clinics.

Students pursuing natural resource and environmental studies in Hawaii and elsewhere can receive scholarship support for full-time enrollment at accredited two- or four-year colleges. With a mission to support higher education in environmental fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding for residents of specific northeastern Illinois counties preparing for conservation-related careers.

Research scientists planning agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or food-related conferences and workshops in OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries, including Hawaii-based organizers partnering abroad, can seek event sponsorship. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides support to share innovative research with policymakers, industry, and academia, which may benefit new nonprofits engaged in these fields.

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-focused grants.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.