Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

The AAUW Honolulu Branch Education Funds support female graduate students in Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative, part of the national AAUW framework advocating for women's education and equity, requires applicants to be enrolled in a local college or university and to submit two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to previous awardees and those intending to major in STEM fields.

The Gee Hing Chinese Company Charitable Trust provides annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii focused on promoting Chinese culture and preserving the history of Chinese communities, particularly in North and South Kona. Grants support projects that enhance the Tong Wo Tong Chinese Cemetery and related cultural initiatives. Eligible organizations must submit a final report before requesting additional funding. The Trust does not fund individuals, endowments, or deficit financing, ensuring the support is directed toward meaningful cultural preservation.

The Kahala Nui A'o Scholarship Fund, established by the Kahala Nui Residents Association in 2006, offers financial assistance to employees and their dependents of Kahala Senior Living Community, Inc. pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must have six months of employment, demonstrate financial need, and meet admission criteria. Preference is given to prior recipients and those studying health-related fields while attending institutions on Oʻahu, contributing to community well-being and educational advancement.

The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation offers grants for art and music education, primarily focused on community involvement in Santa Barbara and Hawaii. Recognized 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding that ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 for specific programs or general operating expenses. The foundation seeks innovative projects that engage youth and provide environmental or community benefits, currently emphasizing sustainable local food systems. Applications are by invitation only.

The Cooke Foundation Grants support impactful community initiatives in Hawai`i, focusing on arts, culture, humanities, education, environment, and human services. The foundation prioritizes proposals within these areas but may consider others at the Trustees' discretion. Multi-year funding is possible, contingent on satisfactory progress reports. Grants aim to foster significant improvements in the welfare of the community, reflecting the family's commitment to making a lasting difference.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Moanalua High School Math Scholarship, established in 2004, supports graduating seniors from Moanalua High School who actively participate in Math League events. This renewable scholarship is designed for students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, with a preference for those intending to major in mathematics. Recipients may be eligible for renewal if they continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain good academic standing.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of William Moragne, established in 2015, supports Kauai residents pursuing degrees in agriculture or engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students at accredited colleges in Hawaii or the mainland USA. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the criteria. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the community, ensuring a brighter future for Kauai's youth.

The Sam and Mary Cooke Preservation Fund for Hawai’i, established in partnership with the National Trust and the Historic Hawai’i Foundation, aims to support preservation projects across Hawai’i. With an annual grant budget of $15,000, eligible activities include consulting services, preservation workshops, and innovative educational programs. Organizations such as nonprofits and public agencies can apply, ensuring they adhere to non-discrimination policies and match funding requirements. This initiative fosters the conservation of historic sites for future generations.

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.

Youth ESD Prevention

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity (FO) is to prevent the use of Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs) and other tobacco products by Hawai‘i youth under age 18. HCF seeks proposals from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations to address the youth ESD epidemic in Hawai‘i in alignment with federal and state goals for tobacco prevention and control by equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to refuse experimentation and use of ESDs, and by engaging parents, caregivers, and other adult influencers of youth under 18 to raise awareness about the harms of ESDs and to build skills in preventing youth ESD use in their families and communities.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Hawai'i Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to protect vital forest lands from development while supporting landowners in preserving their properties. This federal initiative, overseen by the State of Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, encourages sustainable practices, safeguards endangered species, and promotes watershed health. By purchasing conservation easements, the program helps landowners manage costs without sacrificing their land's ecological and cultural value. Interested parties should consult with the program manager well ahead of the July application deadline.

The Philippine Nurses' Association Hawaii Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, aims to support Hawai'i residents of Filipino ancestry. It promotes educational opportunities for those who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 while attending a college or university in Hawaii. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. The fund is administered by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, which advocates for equity and generosity within the community.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Herman Sr. and Efifania "Fanny" Libarios Memorial Scholarship, established in 2021, aims to support students from Kona, Hawaii in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship offers vital financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

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 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 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 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.

About Us

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Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives

The Hawaii Dental Service Community Scholarship Fund, established in 2018 by the Hawaii Dental Service Foundation, aims to support students pursuing degrees in dentistry or dental hygiene. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with demonstrated financial need and satisfactory academic progress. Preference may be given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain good academic standing. This initiative fosters education in dental health, addressing community needs.

The William Lew Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing associate degrees in culinary arts and bachelor's degrees in business. Established in 2013, it honors William Lew's memory. Eligible applicants must be Hawaiian residents of Chinese ethnicity, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications, with a preference for returning recipients who meet eligibility criteria.