Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Oahu Filipino Community Council Golf Scholarship Fund, established in 2003, supports Hawaii residents of Filipino ancestry. Applicants must maintain a 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the Filipino community, encouraging academic excellence and financial support to eligible students pursuing their goals.

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 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 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 Philippine Nurses' Association Hawaii Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, aims to support Hawai'i residents of Filipino ancestry. It promotes educational opportunities for those who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 while attending a college or university in Hawaii. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. The fund is administered by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, which advocates for equity and generosity within the community.

The William Lew Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing associate degrees in culinary arts and bachelor's degrees in business. Established in 2013, it honors William Lew's memory. Eligible applicants must be Hawaiian residents of Chinese ethnicity, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications, with a preference for returning recipients who meet eligibility criteria.

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 Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation aims to enhance the lives of foster children in Hawaii by providing essential items and services that promote a quality of life comparable to their peers. This initiative supports tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits and religious entities, to ensure every child receives the nurturing they deserve. Through these enhancements, the Foundation celebrates the uniqueness of each child and fosters their growth.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. Through their Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity, they aim to provide essential resources and support. This initiative recognizes the significant impact of a nurturing environment, ensuring that foster children have access to supportive homes and positive experiences for healthier, happier lives.

The Kim Coco League of Extraordinary Scholars was established in 2017 to provide support for transgender students in Hawaii who are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to assist those who demonstrate financial need and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and being graduates of Hawaii public high schools. By fostering educational opportunities for gender-diverse individuals, the scholarship promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The K.M. Hatano Scholarship Fund, established in 1987 by Mr. Yasuji Hatano, supports academically excellent individuals from Maui, Lanai, and Molokai who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those pursuing business management or visitor industry majors. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and community engagement among Hawaii's youth.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation provides Enhancement Grants aimed at improving the lives of foster children. The program focuses on offering essential items and services, ensuring that these children can experience a quality of life comparable to their peers. It operates under the belief that every child is unique and deserves support for their growth and development.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. By focusing on governance, strategic relationships, and staff training, this grant supports projects that strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that directly benefit foster children, ensuring their critical needs are met effectively.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The John Dawe Dental Education Fund honors Dr. John H. Dawe's dedication to the dental community in Hawai'i. It supports students pursuing dentistry or related fields, emphasizing financial need and good academic standing. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawai'i and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund aims to foster the next generation of dental professionals in the region.

The Hoʻākea Source Grant Program supports visual artists in Hawaiʻi, promoting Native Hawaiian values through funding of up to $10,000 for creative projects. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and collaboration, aligning with strategic priorities like stewardship of land, relationality, and systemic transformation. By funding diverse artistic endeavors, the program aims to uplift underrepresented voices and foster a vibrant cultural landscape in Hawaiʻi, ultimately enhancing the local arts ecosystem and encouraging innovative forms of expression.

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 Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

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 Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program, established by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, aims to support the preservation and enhancement of historically significant buildings in Downtown Hilo, Hawai‘i. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program encourages community involvement in preserving the unique architectural heritage and cultural identity of the area, fostering a sense of place and improving local societal relationships. Approximately ten grants are awarded annually, promoting sustainable practices in historic preservation.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

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.