Best Health Care Grants in Hawaii

Health-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii can apply for grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $150,000 to support maternal health, healthy aging, and related services. Focused on community-strengthening work, the Joseph and Vera Long Foundation funds programs that benefit vulnerable populations, including seniors and families, through both strategic and responsive grants.

The Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation Grant, offered by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, seeks to enhance Hawaii's coastal ecosystems through collaborative governance. This grant focuses on reducing land-based pollution, improving resource management capacity, and fostering community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public schools serving Hawaii. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes, aiming for substantial increases in managed marine areas and effective governance practices to assure long-term sustainability for future generations.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation provides grants to support transitioning foster youth in Hawaii. This initiative, aligned with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, aims to enhance youth outcomes in areas such as education, employment, and housing. Grant proposals should focus on engaging youth and fostering supportive relationships. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations serving current or former foster youth aged 14-24. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact on youth development.

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 Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation Grant supports programs and capital projects primarily benefiting the people of Hawaii. Starting in 2025, applications will be accepted for six focus areas, including education and healthcare. Grants range from $3,000 to $100,000, with a preference for projects that have additional funding sources. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status operating in Hawaii. The foundation does not fund projects outside Hawaii or general operating support.

The Waiwai Grant Program, managed by the County of Hawai‘i, aims to assist qualified nonprofits in delivering public benefits within the county. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing and comply with various governance and licensing standards. The program supports distinct programs that serve public purposes, while ineligible expenses include those that do not provide direct benefits, such as personal entertainment and private property improvements.

The McInerny Foundation, one of Hawaii's largest charitable organizations, supports major capital requests for projects exceeding $500,000. These grants can fund equipment purchases, renovations, and environmental land protection. The foundation emphasizes collaboration, requiring organizations to secure 100% board financial contributions and 75% of their funding goal before applying. By fostering community involvement and ensuring financial accountability, the foundation aims to enhance the impact of its contributions across various sectors, including arts, education, and health.

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.

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.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. By focusing on governance, strategic relationships, and staff training, this grant supports projects that strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that directly benefit foster children, ensuring their critical needs are met effectively.

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 HHF Historic Preservation Grants support projects that restore and maintain Hawaii's historic sites, emphasizing community engagement and long-term preservation. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations committed to preserving significant historic properties. Projects must adhere to established preservation standards and demonstrate local support and funding. This initiative fosters a sense of place in Hawaii while ensuring that historic properties serve public purposes for at least a decade post-restoration.

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.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Hawaii and the Western Pacific provides crucial funding for communities facing emergencies that threaten their access to safe drinking water. This program supports rural areas by offering financial assistance for water transmission and source projects, helping to restore and maintain water supply systems after events like droughts, floods, or chemical spills. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, ensuring broad access to essential resources.

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.

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 L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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 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 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.

America250 Grant for Hawaiʻi Veterans

In celebration of the United States of America’s bicentennial, America250, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) allocated funding to state arts agencies nationwide to support arts projects celebrating the nation’s artistic heritage and creativity.

The project must celebrate America 250 through arts-based projects or programs directly focused on Hawaiʻi veterans. All project activities must be implemented in the State of Hawaiʻi. Proposals can include activities that honor veterans or improve the health and well-being of military and veteran communities. Examples of possible projects are arts and healing programs, visual arts, StoryCorps, spoken word, film, exhibition, performance, historical/heritage interpretations, and living history projects.

Hawai‘i Sea Grant, part of a national network established in 1966, promotes the understanding and stewardship of marine and coastal resources through applied research, outreach, and education. The upcoming Biennial Research Competition focuses on critical research tracks including Island Sustainability and Resilience, Ocean Acidification, and Aquaculture. By supporting multidisciplinary initiatives, Hawai‘i Sea Grant aims to address pressing public concerns and disseminate valuable information across Hawai‘i and the Pacific.

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.

The Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity aims to support organizations in Hawaii that implement initiatives designed to prevent families and young people from entering the foster care system. By focusing on family-strengthening strategies, the program seeks to address key risk factors identified by the CDC and Family First Prevention Services Act, ensuring safer children and thriving families in the community.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. Through their Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity, they aim to provide essential resources and support. This initiative recognizes the significant impact of a nurturing environment, ensuring that foster children have access to supportive homes and positive experiences for healthier, happier lives.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation aims to enhance the lives of foster children in Hawaii by providing essential items and services that promote a quality of life comparable to their peers. This initiative supports tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits and religious entities, to ensure every child receives the nurturing they deserve. Through these enhancements, the Foundation celebrates the uniqueness of each child and fosters their growth.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Hawaii offers vital funding to enhance the safety of nonprofits at risk of terrorist attacks, allocating $90 million for target hardening and security improvements. In 2025, up to $1,962,987 will be available, split between urban and state applicants. This initiative aims to fortify security measures, address vulnerability gaps, and strengthen partnerships for community preparedness. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend informational briefings for application guidance.