Best Grants for Teachers in Hawaii

The Maine Cancer Foundation is seeking proposals for cancer screening initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention. This RFP focuses on screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. Proposals should align with evidence-based practices endorsed by the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with MCF prior to submission to discuss project concepts and receive feedback on draft applications.

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.

Artists in Residence – Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

Artists in Residence

HCF is currently accepting applications for the Artists in Residence 2026 grant program. Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations/programs can apply to host artists in residence for a defined period. During the residency, the artists in residence focus on developing their own artistic practice while engaging with Hawaiʻi-based artists and the broader community through dynamic, meaningful interactions that have the potential for long term impact. Artist(s) in residence should be widely recognized, outstanding artists, including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. Artists may be based in the continental United States, foreign countries, or Hawaiʻi. For Hawai’i-based artists, the residency must support new relationships with a host organization/program and new forms of community engagement; ongoing or existing collaborations are not eligible.

Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

The Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund (LAF) was created to carry her ambition forward, for the benefit of the arts and artists of Hawaiʻi and beyond. It aims to nurture and promote Hawaiʻi as a global center for the exchange of contemporary arts and artists. LAF is intended to support projects and initiatives that afford artists opportunities to immerse themselves in new environments, to absorb different influences, and to realize fresh visions.

LAF has an advisory committee of volunteer community members with expertise in the arts who provide recommendations on the fund’s strategy and recommend grant funding.

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation's Water Conservation, Recharge, & Reuse Grants aim to enhance the state's water security through innovative projects. The Fresh Water Initiative seeks to generate an additional 100 million gallons per day of reliable fresh water capacity by 2030. This funding round invites proposals that align with these goals, promoting sustainable water management and conservation practices across Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Outreach Initiative Program

The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) provides public funds through the Outreach Initiative Program to support statewide touring and outreach activities that increase opportunities for individuals to experience different forms of artistic and cultural expression and engagement. The program supports the SFCA Strategic Priority Hoʻākoakoa (convene, to call together) to build community capacity for creativity, communication, and learning.

Program Scope

Administer a statewide touring program providing arts and culture outreach activities to under-served communities including, but not limited to, rural, socio-economic disadvantaged, geographically disadvantaged, programs for disadvantaged youth, programs for Native or immigrant populations, and activities involving individuals with varying abilities. The touring and outreach activities must be accessible. Activities must occur in person at public spaces, senior centers, public libraries, public housing communities, or a hybrid of online/streaming. The Outreach Initiative Program must provide activities to at least three (3) islands, including outreach to rural and/or under-served communities.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) offers research grants for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These grants support projects utilizing Forest Dynamics Sites for fieldwork and data analysis, encouraging both natural and social science research. Proposals must integrate site data and can last from 3 months to 2 years. Funding covers research-related expenses, with priorities for projects enhancing educational and capacity-building efforts.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

About Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the official non-profit partner of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, supporting its system of 18 marine environments from Massachusetts to American Samoa and the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys. We protect these iconic places, care for marine wildlife and habitats, honor our nation’s maritime history and cultural traditions, and promote the enjoyment of these public waters through a combination of coalition-building, private fundraising and federal support. 

In a quarter of a century, we’ve expanded and deepened people’s connections and access to our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, and built partnerships with coastal communities and businesses alongside the over 629,000 square miles of public waters that belong to all Americans. 

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Immersive Experience Room at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center (MDC)

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is excited to request proposals to work with the Mokupāpapa team and exhibition designer to create and install an audio visual immersive experience space on site at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center (MDC) in Hilo, Hawaii.

The Nick Van Pernis Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Nick Van Pernis, supports students from Hawaii's west side pursuing degrees in Marine Science, Biotechnology, Health Sciences, or Early Childhood Education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and engage in community service. Preference is given to prior recipients who continue to meet requirements. This fund aims to empower students to positively impact the lives of Hawaii residents through their chosen careers.

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.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation offers grants targeted at non-profit organizations in Northern California and Hawaii. With larger grants ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 in the Spring and smaller grants from $10,000 to $40,000 in the Fall, the foundation focuses on supporting community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and align with the foundation's priorities, which include environmental conservation, youth development, maternal health, and healthy aging.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Atherton Family Foundation Grants support charitable activities in Hawai‘i, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. Capital requests over $25,000 are only accepted in July, while program requests are accepted in January, April, and October. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor. The foundation prioritizes collaborative approaches to address community issues and typically funds grants for one year, with specific guidelines for larger capital projects.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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 Western Division Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 annually to support masters or doctoral students in fisheries science. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential contributions to the fisheries profession, and progress toward a graduate degree. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Fisheries Society and have completed at least one semester in a relevant graduate program within the Western Division's geographic boundaries.