Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Hawaii

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.

The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation offers grants for art and music education, primarily focused on community involvement in Santa Barbara and Hawaii. Recognized 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding that ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 for specific programs or general operating expenses. The foundation seeks innovative projects that engage youth and provide environmental or community benefits, currently emphasizing sustainable local food systems. Applications are by invitation only.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Hawaii offers essential funding for developing vital community facilities in rural areas, benefiting local populations. Eligible projects include healthcare facilities, public safety services, and community support services. This program primarily serves rural areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that funds are allocated based on community needs and income levels. The program facilitates improvements that enhance the quality of life and community infrastructure in these underserved areas.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Hawaii and the Western Pacific provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. The program aims to support households and businesses that cannot access commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring improved public health and environmental sustainability.

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.

AlohaCare Grants support innovative community-based projects aimed at enhancing access to quality health care for low-income and underserved populations. These grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted each year. Eligible proposals must detail project goals, timelines, target demographics, progress metrics, deliverables, and include a description of the project team and organizational partners. Successful applicants must provide annual outcome reports.

Family Literacy

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits that build the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Two‑year grants will enable organizations to equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to guide learning and language development at home for children from birth through age eight.

The plan notes that foundational literacy skills include print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and oral language development. Applicants should describe how their program develops one or more of these foundational literacy skills.

The Hawaiʻi State Early Literacy Guide further describes early literacy concepts, Birth–Preschool to

Kindergarten–3rd transitions, and developmental continuums for implicit and explicit acquisition.  The following focus areas were informed by advisory committee input and donor funding priorities. Funds must be used to support family literacy efforts that strengthen the capacity of parents and caregivers to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Proposed projects should focus on families with young children, from birth through age eight, and “equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies to guide children’s learning activities and language experiences at home.” 

Priority will be given to applications that:

• Serve under-resourced communities, including families experiencing economic hardship, immigrant or refugee families, rural communities, and others with limited access to high-quality literacy supports
• Implement evidence-based family literacy practices or programs, including nationally recognized models adapted to reflect local cultures, languages, and community contexts

All funded projects must also:

• Include an assessment or evaluation component to monitor implementation and measure progress toward family literacy outcomes
• Describe how project staff and partners will be prepared to implement family literacy effectively, which may include professional learning or training for educators, family engagement staff, or community partners
• Engage community-based partnerships to build trust, increase participation, and ensure programming is responsive to families’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds

The Hawai‘i Conservation Program is dedicated to safeguarding the unique endemic species of Hawai‘i, which face threats from climate change and invasive species. This initiative aims to restore native ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and support resilient coral reefs through targeted funding for impactful projects. Priority will be given to projects in critical geographic areas, addressing urgent conservation needs to prevent extinction and promote ecological health across the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth with education, health, mentoring, or athletic programs can access funding through the National Football League (NFL) Foundation’s Pro Bowl Community Grant. Grants support youth literacy, college and career preparation, wellness, abuse prevention, and related services, which may benefit organizations involved in teacher-led enrichment or continuing education initiatives.

Hawaii colleges and university athletic departments that are active NCAA Division II members can access funding for full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships focused on diversity and inclusion. Through the Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $30,000 plus professional development support for one academic-year position.

The Alan and Grace Tenn Scholarship Fund supports undergraduate seniors and graduate students majoring in education at Hawaiian institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and be residents of Hawaii. The fund prioritizes past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria and students planning to teach or counsel within the educational system. The scholarship fosters the development of future educators in Hawaii.

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 Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, funded by FEMA, aims to enhance flood risk awareness and management in communities across Region 9. With a total funding of $41 million, the program supports the development of crucial flood hazard data and mapping, empowering local entities to make informed decisions on flood risk reduction. This initiative fosters collaboration among government agencies and the private sector, ensuring effective planning and response to flooding challenges.

The AAUW Honolulu Branch Education Funds support female graduate students in Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative, part of the national AAUW framework advocating for women's education and equity, requires applicants to be enrolled in a local college or university and to submit two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to previous awardees and those intending to major in STEM fields.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

Focused on economic recovery and resilience, this grant invites Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored community groups to support Lahaina’s long-term rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires. Eligible projects restore livelihoods, advance community-driven economic development, and may include regenerative or ecotourism models that benefit wildfire-affected residents and the environment, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities can seek funding for projects related to clean drinking water, freshwater conservation, and water resource management. With a mission to support water, people, and communities, American Water Works Company provides grants in communities within its Hawaii service territory.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Dr. Julius Bajet Soria Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students of Filipino descent pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Established in honor of Dr. Julius Bajet Soria, an inspiring educator, this scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA, and be graduates of Hawaii public high schools. The fund particularly encourages applications from students of Ilokano ancestry.

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 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 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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

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 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 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.