Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Henry A Zuberano Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to young individuals in Hawai'i seeking to develop leadership skills in government and community affairs. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

Our Vision

We envision an equitable and vibrant Hawai‘i where all of our island communities thrive.

Our Mission

We inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawai‘i.

Maui Strong Fund Grant - Economic Recovery & Resilience RFP

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to support the economic recovery and longterm resilience of Lahaina following the 2023 wildfires. This funding aims to restore livelihoods and catalyze community-driven economic development that reflects the Lahaina community’s cultural values and future vision.

This RFP is designed to complement existing federal, state, and county programs, as well as prior philanthropic investments, including support for the interim marketplace. The Foundation is particularly interested in opportunities that both address immediate recovery needs and lay the groundwork for a more resilient, locally rooted, and equitable economy, including advancing regenerative and ecotourism-based economic models that prioritize community benefit and environmental stewardship.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program specifically designed for students with disabilities. This needs-based scholarship assists eligible individuals in pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Since its inception in 1981, the program has expanded to provide multiple scholarships annually, allowing recipients to reapply for up to four years of support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in California or Hawaii, and demonstrate financial need while having a qualifying disability.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Laura Jean Armstrong Fund, established in memory of Dr. Laura Jean Armstrong, supports graduate students pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing or Public Health. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawai'i, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund honors Dr. Armstrong's legacy of dedication to improving health and welfare in underserved communities.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Blossom Kalama Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the family of Blossom Kalama Evans, honors her legacy as a prominent golfer and community advocate in Hilo, Hawaii. This scholarship supports students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need and are committed to their education. Preference is given to applicants with Hawaiian ancestry or those majoring in fields related to Hawaiian culture. Recipients must provide two letters of recommendation.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

DHHL Grant for Community Capacity Building

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is seeking grant proposals statewide to build, strengthen, and enhance community capacity within native Hawaiian homestead communities. Community capacity building grants seek to help homestead lessee communities to carry out their community visions and plans.

Capacity areas include but are not limited to the following: 

• mission, vision, strategy; 
• governance and leadership; 
• program research, development, evaluation; 
• community outreach/engagement and strategic relationships; 
• resource development (ie funds, staff, community volunteers); and 
• internal administrative systems.

Partnerships and teams of DHHL beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, including individuals and organizations, are encouraged to apply. Proposed capacity building projects must be beneficiary-driven, demonstrate beneficiary leadership and assistance, and benefit existing DHHL homestead lessees. 

Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation

Created in 1983, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), is the state’s economic development agency focused on developing the technology sector. Since its inception, technology has evolved and permeates facets of all industries and provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaiʻi residents. HTDC continues to innovate and create programs relevant to meet the changing technology industry. In addition to providing incubation facilities to foster the growth of technology startups, HTDC provides capital and building infrastructure, has grant programs, educational and networking programs, statewide mentoring and technology workforce development.

HTDC is attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT).

Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP)

The Hawaiʻi manufacturing industry, albeit small, is important to our economy. These companies make the Made In Hawaiʻi brand a global commodity. Hawaiʻi food products, clothing, and other products are sought throughout the world. Our manufacturers need assistance in controlling costs, making sure employees are well trained, and securing the latest technology to grow their business.

HTDC’s Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) offers Hawaiʻi-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) on qualified expenses to help Hawaiʻi manufacturers enhance productivity, competitiveness, and growth in Hawai‘i’s manufacturing sector.

For the fiscal year 2026, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has allocated $1 million to HTDC’s Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP).

What Expenses Qualify for MAP Assistance?

• Purchase of manufacturing equipment
• Training on the use of manufacturing equipment
• Energy efficiency in manufacturing process
• Studying or planning for a new manufacturing facility
• “Manufacturing equipment” means equipment integral to the manufacturing process. This does not include product components such as bottles, labels, boxes, ingredients etc., and it does not include consumables such as gas, oil, lubricants, drill bits, blades, or other tooling.

The Teresa F. Hughes Trust Grant provides financial assistance to qualified elderly adults and children in Hawaii. The grant aims to support those in financial need, particularly seniors over 70 and children under 18 who have experienced abuse or neglect. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to assist with essential needs such as healthcare, educational expenses, and basic living requirements, enhancing the quality of life for these vulnerable populations.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation invites applications for its 2026 funding cycle, aimed at enhancing Native Hawaiian early education through culturally relevant programs. Eligible organizations should provide dual-language and culture-based programming for children of all races. The foundation emphasizes the importance of high-quality early education that incorporates indigenous values. Interested applicants must discuss their project plans and budgets, ensuring multiple funding sources are secured. Key deadlines for application submissions are December 22, 2025, May 4, 2026, and September 7, 2026.

The Greg T Miki Legacy Scholarship Fund, established in 2022 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with demonstrated financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to students born in Hawaii and those studying Criminal Justice and Criminology, as well as individuals involved in community service.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The AlohaCare Scholarships program, managed by the AlohaCare Foundation, provides financial support for AlohaCare members and their families pursuing careers in healthcare or social services. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 to assist with educational expenses such as tuition, books, and testing fees. The initiative aims to tackle challenges in healthcare access and workforce development in Hawaiʻi, fostering a stronger community dedicated to serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants support agricultural producers in developing innovative, sustainable practices through research and outreach. Eligible applicants include farmers or ranchers who collaborate with technical advisors to implement projects focused on addressing specific agricultural needs. Grants can provide funding up to $25,000 for 1-2 producers and up to $29,900 for larger collaborations. The program aims to enhance profitability, environmental quality, and community well-being while sharing knowledge among producers.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Eizo & Toyo Sakumoto Trust, established to honor the legacy of Eizo and Toyo Sakumoto, aims to support higher education for students of Japanese ancestry born in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and attend a college in Hawaii. This trust reflects the couple's commitment to education and community, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their academic goals and contribute to society.