Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Hawaii can seek support for new or expanded initiatives. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations developing creative approaches to societal issues; interested groups may begin by submitting a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in Hawaii can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants up to US $15,000. Funding may support early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, clean air and water initiatives, and related youth-focused programs.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits tackling urgent social or environmental problems in Hawaii and globally can receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation backs scalable, systems-focused solutions that directly benefit underserved communities and can grow to impact at least 10,000 lives within five years.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Hawaii can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants may benefit small nonprofits working on auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education programs.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, or general support, with awards of more than US $100,000. U.S.-based organizations addressing poverty, housing, jobs, legal aid, reentry, or youth development may be competitive, especially those with large-scale impact and sustainability.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding nationwide, and small nonprofits in Hawaii may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Hawaii small nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation, which supports marginalized communities worldwide. Organizations working on healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, or related social services in Hawaii may be eligible under its global grantmaking priorities.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii working on children’s services, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, arts, or basic human needs can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support their programs. Hansen Family Foundation supports U.S.-based organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25%, including those serving communities in Hawaii.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Hawaii supporting rural microentrepreneurs can access loans and grants for microenterprise development, including a revolving loan fund and technical assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program offers up to US $500,000 for working capital, refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements in eligible rural areas.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii can access funding for historic preservation planning and education projects, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help small nonprofits hire preservation professionals, build organizational capacity, and develop innovative outreach to engage new audiences in local preservation efforts.

Nonprofit charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Hawaii can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Grants may benefit small nonprofits seeking to strengthen local communities, protect the environment, or promote respect and peace among people.

Hawaii small nonprofits providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety services can access funding through The Tjx Foundation if they are 501(c)(3)s located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Eligible organizations must align with TJX’s community mission and meet nondiscrimination and prior-funding requirements.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools in Hawaii can seek funding to strengthen youth success, cultural heritage, and natural resource stewardship in Windward Oʻahu. With a mission to build community assets, Harold K. L. Castle Foundation provides up to US $25,000 for start-up, innovative, or capacity-building projects, including small preschool improvements and select capital efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in Hawaii and across the U.S. can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, operations, or projects. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, health facilities, and related initiatives where modest grants make a big impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii working in education, social justice, health, the arts, ethical journalism, or climate and medical research can apply for the Cowles Charitable Trust’s grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for programs or general operating support. Organizations with a broad base of funding may be especially competitive.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes in Hawaii and across the U.S. can seek funding for hunger relief, shelter, economic stability, arts access, and community development projects. Ameriprise Financial prioritizes organizations with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and demonstrated outcomes, especially in key employee-center communities and for national organizations.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families in Hawaii communities with Nordstrom stores can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Nordstrom supports hyper-local, grassroots efforts such as food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, mentorship, scholarships, and similar services.

Hawaii small 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. Organizations in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates that address economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible, including those serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Hawaii can apply for USDA Rural Development grants to support small business growth and community economic development in rural areas. Funding may cover planning, training, facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, incubators, and other projects that benefit small and emerging rural businesses, which may suit smaller nonprofits serving rural communities.

Hawaii nonprofit organizations leading strong community partnerships can access funding through Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award program. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborative initiatives that measurably improve lives, demonstrate effective cross-sector partnerships, and show clear potential for replication or scaling, with six organizations selected each year for recognition.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Hawaii small nonprofits addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief with US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Eligible organizations are typically 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities, with annual revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 and a strong, founder-led mission focus.