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.

State Farm Companies Foundation provides Hawaii local governments, educational institutions, and eligible nonprofits with funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs may include disaster preparedness and recovery, community revitalization, financial literacy, job training, and K–12 or higher education, including STEM and college and career pathways, with an invitation-only process for community grants.

Hawaii local government and other large, established U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct social services can seek more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or general operations that reduce chronic poverty and build economic independence. Organizations working on housing, food access, legal aid, reentry, or youth development may be competitive with William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

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.

Local government and public agencies in Hawaii working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible entities must operate in the U.S., request more than US $50,000, and serve urban low-income children or youth.

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.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

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.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can access funding through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Eligible U.S.-based organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support for programs serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

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 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii working on youth development, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Local governments partnering with eligible nonprofits on civic engagement or community initiatives may benefit through collaborative projects.

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.

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.

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Hawaii

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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.

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.