Best Grants for Teachers in Hawaii

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Hawaii. Founded by George Norton Wilcox, the grant prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community development. Notably, the grant is limited to one application per year from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring focused support for impactful projects. This philanthropic effort continues Wilcox's legacy of improving living conditions and fostering community well-being.

The Karen and Gerry Keir Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of Hawaii pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to college juniors and seniors, as well as previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower students in their academic journeys.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The NRA Foundation: Hawaii Grants support charitable purposes as defined by IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Eligible organizations include recognized nonprofits, government entities, and specific educational institutions. Ineligible groups comprise labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. Grant funding promotes firearms safety, education in shooting sports, and related research. The foundation focuses on advancing the shooting sports and improving public understanding of firearms, fostering a safer environment for all.

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 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.

The Frederic Duclos Barstow Foundation for American Samoans Grant aims to enhance education for the youth of American Samoa. It supports diverse initiatives, including assistance to schools, cultural education centers, and programs promoting health and arts. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations in American Samoa and educational institutions in Hawaii. The foundation specifically focuses on projects benefiting youth, fostering their growth and opportunities within their community.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The McInerny Foundation offers General Capital Support grants to organizations in Hawaii for small capital projects, equipment, or renovations with costs under $500,000. While there are no formal deadlines for applications, the foundation encourages projects with multiple funding sources. A critical eligibility requirement is that 100% of the board must contribute financially to the organization. The foundation excludes support for churches, individuals, and certain financial purposes, ensuring grants benefit the community effectively.

The McInerny Foundation, a leading charitable organization in Hawaii, supports diverse initiatives including education, health, and the arts. Established from the wealth of the McInerny siblings, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare. It provides program and general operating support primarily to 501(c)(3) public charities that benefit Hawaii residents. The foundation emphasizes the importance of community and business support, requiring active participation from board members in fundraising and organizational activities.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

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 Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dolly Ching Scholarship, established by Dorothy "Dolly" Ching in 1994, supports students in Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those attending universities within the University of Hawaii system. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities and support the academic journeys of deserving students in the state.

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 Ambassador Minerva Jean Falcon Hawaii Scholarship honors the legacy of Minerva Jean Falcon, who served as the Honolulu Consul General of the Philippines from 1996-2000. Established with community support, this scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and enroll in an accredited institution in Hawaii. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and to those of Filipino ancestry.

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 Hawaii Dental Service Foundation Grants aim to enhance oral health in Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan by funding local non-profit organizations. Established in 1986, the foundation supports initiatives focused on oral health education, disease prevention, and access to dental care for underserved populations. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, while grants do not cover multi-year pledges, individuals, or religious programs. This funding opportunity is vital for improving community health and ensuring equitable dental care.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

This program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural resources upon which agriculture depends, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated through teaching and educational activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

The PRSA Hawai'i/Roy Leffingwell Public Relations Scholarship honors Roy L. Leffingwell, a pioneer in public relations in Hawai'i. Established by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, this scholarship supports students majoring in Public Relations, Journalism, or Communications who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. The scholarship aims to foster the next generation of public relations professionals in Hawai'i.

The 'Youth Voice in Action' initiative by the Hawai'i Community Foundation empowers youth by providing nonprofits with funding to enhance youth leadership and decision-making in educational settings. This two-year grant aims to strengthen youth agency and engagement, ensuring that young voices play a vital role in shaping relevant and impactful learning experiences across Hawai‘i. By advocating for equity and community connections, this program envisions a brighter future for all island communities.

The Tokuyama Scholarship - Imua Program Fund, managed by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports single parents in Hawaii pursuing college degrees. With awards ranging from $1,000 to around $6,000, eligibility criteria include residency in Hawaii, financial need, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to applicants who have previously received the scholarship, are over 22, first-generation college students, or of Polynesian ancestry. This initiative aims to foster educational growth and equity in the community.