Best Local Government Grants in Hawaii

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program needs in communities where Costco operates. Eligible organizations must show clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Hawaii tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can access up to US $300,000 in flexible capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation backs scalable, systems-focused solutions that directly benefit underserved communities and can rapidly grow their impact over the next five years.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and equivalent charities can seek support for health and welfare, education, or community programs through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation. Grants commonly back food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM initiatives, and healthy lifestyle efforts, and Hawaii local government partners working with eligible nonprofits may benefit.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Hawaii local government and public agencies working on health, education, or humanitarian programs for marginalized communities may be eligible for support from the Semnani Family Foundation. This international funder backs initiatives in the U.S. and abroad that advance healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s services, literacy, and other human and social services.

Local government and community-focused organizations in Hawaii working on hunger, youth and education, or health and nutrition can seek program support from Shaw's Supermakets Charitable Foundation. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government-recognized schools serving areas where the company operates; some regions, including Hawaii, require an employee sponsor.

State and local government agencies in Hawaii can obtain funding to build homeland security capabilities and address terrorism-related risks. With a mission to strengthen statewide preparedness, the State of Hawai‘i Office of Homeland Security provides support for implementing risk-driven State Homeland Security Strategies, including required law enforcement terrorism prevention activities, with Honolulu designated as the state’s urban area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Hawaii, can apply for Cowles Charitable Trust grants of up to US $10,000 to support education, social justice, health, arts, or ethical journalism, including general operating costs. Civic engagement and education initiatives may be eligible if they align with the trust’s mission and priorities.

Local government and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian needs, and arts and culture programs. Hansen Family Foundation supports U.S.-based nonprofits worldwide with grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000, prioritizing communities where its board members reside when aligned with its mission.

Hawaii tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and religious organizations serving foster children, transitioning foster youth, and their caregivers can seek capacity-building support through the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Funding can strengthen governance, leadership, evaluation, resource development, internal operations, program design, staff transitions, and training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits seeking to tell impactful stories about preservation, education, or wellness work in Hawaii and nationwide can apply for the Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects that highlight real-world impact, including wildlife conservation, historic preservation, education, and mental health initiatives.

Government and private nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Tribes in Hawaii can receive funding to provide technical and supervisory assistance for rural mutual self-help housing construction. USDA Rural Development supports groups of very-low- and low-income families as they build their own homes, including recruiting participants and helping them complete loan applications.

Hawaii local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for collaborative rural community projects through the Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Rural Initiative Grant Program, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible projects foster civic engagement, economic or business development, arts, education, or public space improvements and must show strong local support, volunteer involvement, and measurable results within 18 months.

Hawaii local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits implementing projects in publicly owned open spaces that restore ecosystems and enhance public use can seek up to US $35,000. These Environmental Initiative implementation grants from the Laura Jane Musser Fund require strong community participation, measurable 12–18 month outcomes, and plans for long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii can apply for Laura Jane Musser Fund planning grants up to US $8,000 to design community-driven projects for publicly owned open spaces. Funding supports planning processes that enhance ecological integrity, expand public access and use, engage residents and youth, and outline long-term sustainability.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Hawaii can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation offers funding to groups aiming to respect and improve life, people, and the environment, which may include civic engagement and education initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools serving Hawaii that work on nearshore marine and coastal conservation can apply for the Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation Grant, with awards from US $100 - US $4,000,000. Grants from Harold K. L. Castle Foundation help Hawaii organizations improve marine resource health, governance, and community-based management, which may benefit local government and civic partners.

Local governments, schools, and 501(c) organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for firearms safety, shooting sports, and hunting education programs. Focused on firearms safety and marksmanship education, The NRA Foundation invites eligible entities to apply for US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support charitable, educational, or research activities that align with its mission.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Local government agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii can seek funding for new intercultural harmony projects that build cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. Focused on community culture and diversity, the Laura Jane Musser Fund offers up to US $25,000 for planning or implementing collaborative, grassroots intercultural initiatives with tangible community benefits.

Hawaii local government and nonprofit organizations leading civic or community partnerships can access funding recognition through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. These U.S.-wide awards honor exemplary cross-sector collaborations that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and address significant social issues through shared leadership rather than traditional donor–recipient relationships.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.