Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Hawaii

The Hokuli`a Foundation Scholarship Fund, in collaboration with the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aims to provide scholarships to residents of the Kona community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and plan to study in fields such as Healthcare, Education, or Social Work while emphasizing the advancement of Native Hawaiian culture.

The Hideko & Zenzo Matsuyama Scholarship Fund, established in 2006, supports students of Japanese ancestry residing in Hawaii. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be graduates of a Hawaii high school or equivalent. Preference is given to prior recipients who remain eligible and are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing higher education and maintain their cultural heritage.

The Strong Foundation Grant offers funding for youth-oriented programs and organizations in Hawaii, with an emphasis on major capital needs. Organizations can apply for one grant every three years, and must secure sponsorship from a Strong Foundation trustee to submit a request. This ensures that the trustee is knowledgeable about the charity's mission and can advocate on its behalf during the foundation's annual meeting.

The Hew-Shinn Scholarship Fund honors A.K. Hew's parents and emphasizes education's importance. This scholarship is available to Maui County residents enrolled in accredited vocational programs, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a letter of recommendation. The application deadline aligns with the pre-proposal deadline, ensuring timely consideration for interested students.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Herman Sr. and Efifania "Fanny" Libarios Memorial Scholarship, established in 2021, aims to support students from Kona, Hawaii in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship offers vital financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

The Gee Hing Chinese Company Charitable Trust offers General Capital Grants to support the promotion and preservation of Chinese culture and history in Hawaii, particularly in North and South Kona. The Trust focuses on funding small capital projects and equipment for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are considered annually, with a requirement for a final report before future requests. This initiative enhances cultural heritage and community engagement in Hawaii.

The Henry A Zuberano Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to young individuals in Hawai'i seeking to develop leadership skills in government and community affairs. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Hawai'i Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship Fund, established in 2006, supports students majoring in Accounting at accredited four-year institutions in Hawai'i. Eligible applicants must be residents, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be involved in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to previous recipients and students active in their school's accounting club. This scholarship promotes academic excellence and professional development within the local community.

The Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, supports students in Hawaii pursuing higher education in agriculture, sustainability, or environmental studies. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, and be active in community service. Preference is given to those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative by the Hawai'i Community Foundation aims to foster educational opportunities and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Hawai'i Pizza Hut Scholarship Fund, established in 2007 by TD Food Group, Inc., supports residents of Hawaii pursuing higher education at two-year or four-year colleges. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements and are in good academic standing. This fund aims to empower local students through education.

The Hawai'i Pacific Gerontological Society Nursing Scholarship Fund, established in 2008, supports students pursuing nursing degrees at accredited institutions in Hawai'i. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, be residents of Hawai'i, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and show an interest in geriatric nursing. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to foster excellence in nursing for the aging population.

The Hawaii Dental Service Community Scholarship Fund, established in 2018 by the Hawaii Dental Service Foundation, aims to support students pursuing degrees in dentistry or dental hygiene. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with demonstrated financial need and satisfactory academic progress. Preference may be given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain good academic standing. This initiative fosters education in dental health, addressing community needs.

The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports various fields including arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Established in 1938, it offers general operating grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. The foundation prefers projects that engage the community, especially on Kauai, and typically requires a strong relationship with the Trust. However, it does not fund individuals or multiple-year projects.

The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports small capital projects and equipment costing under $500,000, benefiting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. Established in 1938, the foundation focuses on arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community initiatives. Preference is given to projects on Kauai, emphasizing board participation in funding. Notably, grants do not cover individual requests, endowments, or deficit financing, ensuring a broad community impact.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation is dedicated to enhancing communities through impactful programs targeting low and moderate-income areas. It supports initiatives in community development, education, human services, and arts integration, while emphasizing financial literacy. The Foundation collaborates with established non-profits, providing financial support and resources, and prefers organizations with a strong fiscal record. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) charities, with a focus on sustainable community growth and effective management.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation's Major Capital Grant aims to bolster low and moderate-income communities through impactful programs. With a focus on community development, education, human services, and arts integration, the Foundation partners with established non-profits to address essential needs. Grants primarily support significant capital projects, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and successful management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong operational history. This initiative seeks to empower community strength and sustainability.

The Haseko Scholarship Fund, established in 2004 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, supports residents of Ewa Beach pursuing vocational education. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and enroll full-time in an AS or AAS career program within the University of Hawaii Community College system. This fund aims to enhance career opportunities for students in technical fields.

The John M. Ross Foundation offers a Major Capital Grant to support tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations on Hawaii's Big Island. Focused on aiding teens aged 11-18, the grant prioritizes programs addressing higher needs, such as financial difficulties or limited family support. Eligible projects may receive funding for specific equipment or materials that directly benefit these youth. Fields of interest include Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Religion, and Community.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of William Moragne, established in 2015, supports Kauai residents pursuing degrees in agriculture or engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students at accredited colleges in Hawaii or the mainland USA. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the criteria. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the community, ensuring a brighter future for Kauai's youth.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of Wayne Ellis, established by Hale Kauai, supports residents of Kauai, Hawaii, who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship particularly favors recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. It aims to assist students pursuing a degree in business, promoting educational growth within the community.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship Fund honors Samuel W. Wilcox II, supporting Kauai residents pursuing degrees in finance, business, or liberal arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students. Preference is given to previous awardees who remain eligible. This fund aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals while honoring the legacy of its founder through continued support for higher education.

The H.C. Shipman Scholarship Fund honors Herbert C. Shipman, a notable conservationist and orchid grower in Hawaii. Established by the H.C. Shipman Foundation, this fund supports students from Keaau public high schools who demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing. Eligible candidates must be residents of Hawaii and pursue a 4-year college or vocational program, with a preference given to previous recipients. The foundation values academic excellence and community commitment.

The Guy Toyama Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, honors Guy Toyama's advocacy for Hawaii's renewable resources. It supports students pursuing sustainability-related studies, with eligibility criteria including financial need, residency in Hawaii, a minimum GPA of 2.7, and enrollment in a 2-year or 4-year institution. Recipients can receive funding for up to four years if they continue to meet the requirements, including maintaining good academic standing.

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) offers Medical Research Grants to support vital basic and clinical research conducted locally. Aimed at enhancing the medical research community in Hawai‘i, the program focuses on various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Additionally, it fosters research infrastructure to bolster research capacity. Funded by multiple sources, including the Leahi Fund and the George F. Straub Trust, these grants are essential for advancing healthcare and scientific discovery in the region.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.