Best Local Government Grants in Hawaii

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.

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.

Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general/endowment needs. Organizations in Hawaii offering arts education, STEAM programs, or artist development that reach large audiences may be competitive for William Randolph Hearst Foundation culture 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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can apply for funding from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, with all funds used in the U.S. Focused on broad public benefit, the Trust invites well-managed organizations, including those in Hawaii with civic engagement or education initiatives, to seek support.

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.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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.

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.