Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Hawaii

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 Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii can seek US $10,000 - US $100,000 to rehabilitate or restore significant historic buildings and sites for community use. With a mission to support historic preservation, Historic Hawai'i Foundation provides grants for construction projects that follow federal preservation standards and demonstrate strong local financial and in-kind support, which may benefit education-focused community facilities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Hawaii and the Western Pacific aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. These grants are designed for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue, focusing on projects that benefit rural areas outside urban centers. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations, with funding prioritizing smaller requests, ensuring impactful community economic development.

The Hawai'i People’s Fund offers Urgent Action Grants aimed at supporting organizations that provide immediate relief to communities impacted by crises, particularly the recent wildfires on Maui Island. These grants prioritize vulnerable populations, including low-income families and communities of color, and promote community organizing as a means to combat systemic oppression and ensure safety. The fund encourages innovative projects that address social justice and economic inequality while fostering resilience within these communities.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Hawaii empower eligible organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their homes. This program promotes community involvement, where participants contribute labor while receiving crucial technical support. Funding ensures families gain essential skills and resources, facilitating their journey toward homeownership. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring a diverse range of support for community-driven housing solutions.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The HSFCA Artists in the Schools General Grant aims to enhance educational experiences in Hawai'i by integrating art into classrooms. With a maximum funding of $7,000 and a required 10% match from participating schools, this grant supports collaborations between teaching artists and educators, focusing on creativity and cultural relevance. The program emphasizes student-centered education and educational equality, ensuring that diverse learning needs are met through engaging arts residencies.

About DHHL

As part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) makes available annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a purpose to benefit native Hawaiians. DHHL has offered grants in several program areas over the years as a means of implementing the community development component of the rehabilitation fund. Grant offerings reflect the department’s priorities and community interests.

Grant for Disaster Preparedness / Mitigation

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is seeking grant proposals statewide for disaster preparedness, prevention, and mitigation projects, programs and/or services in existing homesteads on Hawaiian Home Lands. Grant proposals may cover a broad range of areas in disaster preparedness and mitigation. Proposed projects may include any project related to the DHHL General Plan or listed in any HHC-approved DHHL Regional Plan, including those listed as “Potential” and/or “Priority” Projects. 

Award Period

The award is for a maximum of up to five years from the contract effective date.

Award Amounts

Subject to the availability of funds, a total of $2,000,000 in competitive funds will be provided for this solicitation using RFPs for “improvements to facilities located in existing homesteads.” The maximum grant proposal amount for this RFP-26-HHL-005 is $1,000,000. 

The Community Arts Grants, formerly known as Biennium Grants, are provided by the Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to support projects that promote and preserve the arts and culture in Hawai'i. These grants are available to organizations working in various categories, including heritage preservation, arts education, and community development. The program is biennial, requiring an Intent to Apply submission, and is subject to state budget appropriations.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) 

Provides more than $1.1 billion for states and urban areas to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats. 

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - Hawaii

Provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets. States are required to dedicate 35 percent of SHSP funds to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. In the State of Hawaii, Honolulu is the designated urban area.

The Hoʻākoakoa Lāhui Event Sponsorship Program aims to support nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi by providing funding for events that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. With a maximum budget request of $15,000, the program encourages events that promote cultural practices, community engagement, and public resources. Eligible events include award ceremonies, community gatherings, and fundraisers, ensuring they align with the mission of enhancing the lifestyle and entitlements of Native Hawaiians.

OHA Capital Improvement Project Grant

Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grants advance OHA’s mission by investing in long-term infrastructure that strengthens the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians. As part of OHA’s commitment to resource stewardship, CIPs leverage capital investments to create lasting benefits for our communities. Unlike programmatic grants that focus on short-term services, CIPs prioritize durable assets that will continue to meet the needs of the lāhui for generations.

This approach aligns with MiMO’s goal of balancing immediate support with long-term, systemic change. For purposes of this Solicitation, references to ‘CIP grants,’ ‘grant awards,’ and ‘grantees’ include OHA funding provided through grant contracts with non-profit organizations under HRS § 10-17 and through memoranda of agreement (MOA) with State or County government agencies administering State-funded CIP projects.

Focus Areas

Whether developing cultural facilities, affordable housing, or community centers, these projects create spaces that preserve culture, expand access to essential services, or strengthen self-determination.

Grant Award Period

The applicant may select a grant award period of one (1) year, two (2) years, or three (3) years from the contract start date based on their project.

Amount Requested 

The applicant may request an OHA grant in the amount up to their CIP State award and not to exceed $1,000,000 (Maximum Amount) for the project. Projects exceeding $1,000,000 in OHA funding may be considered by the Board where there is at least a dollar for-dollar match from other sources.

About DHHL Grants

As part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) makes available annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a purpose to benefit native Hawaiians. DHHL has offered grants in several program areas over the years as a means of implementing the community development component of the rehabilitation fund. Grant offerings reflect the department’s priorities and community interests.

Grant for Program Implementation located in Existing Homesteads

DHHL is seeking grant proposals statewide for improvements to facilities located in existing homesteads on Hawaiian Home Lands. The facility must serve existing homestead communities and benefit DHHL homestead lessees. Proposed projects may include but are not limited to any project listed in any HHC-approved DHHL Regional Plan, including those listed as "Potential" or "Priority" Projects. 

Projects may include but are not limited to all project phases: planning, due diligence, design, construction for infrastructure, and community facilities in existing homesteads. Projects must benefit DHHL homestead lessees in implementing their homestead visions as described in DHHL Regional Plans. Partnerships and teams of DHHL beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, including individuals and organizations, are encouraged to apply. Projects must be beneficiary-driven, demonstrate beneficiary leadership and assistance, and benefit existing DHHL homestead lessees.

About Us

Our Vision

We envision an equitable and vibrant Hawai‘i where all of our island communities thrive.

Our Mission

We inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawai‘i.

Strengthening Hawai‘i’s Communities

Indigenous Knowledge and Culture

HCF is committed to perpetuating Indigenous knowledge and culture rooted in this place. By supporting the passing of knowledge across generations, we strengthen connections to ʻāina and community well‑being. Through targeted grantmaking and partnerships, HCF invests in organizations that bridge ancestral knowledge from the past to the present and future - ensuring it endures for generations.

Huakaʻi Travel Grants Funding Opportunity

To advance the long-term vision of perpetuating Indigenous knowledge and culture by expanding access to Native Hawaiian cultural experiences, HCF offers the Huaka‘i Travel Grants funding opportunity.

The Huaka‘i Travel Grants will provide up to $5,000 to Hawai‘i-based organizations to bring participants to meaningful opportunities to connect with Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, or important locations within the state. Examples might include bringing youth in an after-school program to a significant Native Hawaiian cultural place to learn moʻolelo and oli, bringing participants to ʻāina-based activities to learn about traditional mala, or supporting travel for kumu to attend workshops to further their knowledge.

• To increase access to activities and events related to Indigenous knowledge and practices for organizations and individuals that would otherwise experience barriers to attending in person.
• To increase engagement with Indigenous knowledge and practices to the benefit of organizations, individuals, and the broader community.
• To support the perpetuation of Indigenous knowledge and practices.

The Tuition Aid Program offers grants to educational institutions in Hawaii serving children from preschool to 12th grade, excluding church schools. The program encourages schools to seek multiple funding sources and allows for one request per organization annually. Notably, schools must be accredited or actively pursuing accreditation to qualify. The program aims to support educational access while maintaining fiscal responsibility and inclusivity.

The GIFT Foundation of Hawaii, established in 2003, supports charitable organizations across Hawaii by empowering young professionals to engage in philanthropy. Through an annual charity event, the foundation grants funds to selected local projects that focus on youth education, startup initiatives, and sustainable community impacts. They prioritize proposals demonstrating leadership and financial viability, ensuring a lasting benefit to the Hawaiian community. The foundation aims to inspire and motivate young adults to contribute to meaningful causes.

The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, overseen by the Family Caregiver Alliance, recognize organizations that enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These awards highlight innovative approaches in three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy. Each award is valued at $20,000, and applicants must be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or universities operating within the U.S. that focus on the needs of unpaid caregivers.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service supports farmers and landowners in integrating conservation practices into their operations. This program offers financial and technical assistance to address key environmental issues such as soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Applications are accepted continuously, but timely submissions by state-specific ranking dates enhance eligibility for current funding. EQIP aims to promote sustainable agriculture while mitigating the impacts of climate change.

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.

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.

Cultural and Historical Preservation & Revitalization 

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to support non-governmental, community-driven initiatives that advance the restoration, preservation, documentation, and perpetuation of Lahaina’s cultural and historic resources impacted by the 2023 wildfires.

When conducting a scan of Lahaina's cultural and historic landmarks, we see a variety of needs emerging within the context of a shared understanding of the cultural significance of spaces and places, the status of damage and potential restoration, and the mounting obstacles of historical preservation post-fire. This funding seeks to support the community’s efforts to uplift the histories and cultures that represent Lahaina’s past, present, and future.

Program applicants should consider how their projects and activities are uplifting the recovery of the impacted region, how cultural and historical programs and projects support individual and collective healing, and what efforts can be supported to recover or revitalize significant histories that can and should be preserved at this time.

All applications received will be shared with the Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative members.

Capital Requests

The award ceiling for capital requests is $750,000.00