Best Public Policy 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. Organizations with public policy or advocacy components that also deliver direct services in these areas may be eligible, with applications reviewed in 4–6 weeks based on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and budget.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities needing funds for small capital projects, equipment purchases, or renovations can apply for McInerny Foundation’s General Capital support, with awards up to US $500,000. Organizations working in arts and culture, community services, education, environment, health, or human services, and with 100% board giving, may be eligible.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii presenting Japanese arts and culture projects can apply for United States-Japan Foundation mini grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for event costs like publicity, artist travel, and facility fees. Public policy groups incorporating Japanese cultural programming into lectures, symposia, or screenings may be eligible.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving instructional quality in independent preschools can seek up to US $30,000 to enhance early childhood education programs and environments. Focused on early learning for ages 0–5, the Samuel N & Mary Castle Foundation supports projects aligned with NAEYC standards, which may include policy- or systems-level work benefiting low-income families’ access to quality preschool.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations needing small capital funding for equipment, renovations, or building construction can apply for up to US $500,000; awards support projects under a total cost of $500,000. Grants from G. N. Wilcox Charitable Trust may benefit groups whose public policy work connects with arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, or community needs.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations seeking general operating support can apply for the G. N. Wilcox Charitable Trust’s General Operating Grant, with priority for Kauai groups that already partner with the Trust. Funding can sustain work in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, religion, or community programs, including policy-related efforts.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project support to improve the lives of individuals and families can apply for grants that fund arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community programs. Grants from G. N. Wilcox Charitable Trust may benefit nonprofits with public policy-related initiatives that fit these broad fields of interest.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities undertaking major capital projects in Hawaii’s low- and moderate-income communities can apply for Bank of Hawaii Foundation’s support. Funding focuses on community development, education, human services, and arts and culture; organizations engaged in public policy advocacy that broadly impacts these communities may be eligible.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities running community development, education, human services, or arts programs in low- and moderate-income communities can access funding through Bank of Hawaii Foundation. Established organizations with strong fiscal management and diverse revenue, including advocacy groups impacting these communities, may be competitive applicants for program and project support.

Not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and universities in Hawaii and across the U.S. supporting family or informal caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias can receive US $20,000 awards for existing programs. Family Caregiver Alliance supports dementia caregiving through creative expression, increasing access and reducing stigma, and public policy advocacy categories.

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 Harold K. L. Castle Foundation’s Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation Grant, with awards from US $100 - US $4,000,000. Grants support improved marine resource governance, pollution reduction, community-based co-management, and stronger public-sector capacity, which may benefit public policy efforts in Hawaii.

Nonprofit organizations in Hawaii working on community programs, education, arts, environment, or social services can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior programs, disability services, environmental and wildlife efforts, and other community-based initiatives that may include public policy components.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) learning institutions in Hawaii offering preschool–12th grade education can apply for the G. N. Wilcox Charitable Trust’s tuition aid program to support school-based financial assistance. Schools on Kauai receive priority, and programs that may benefit public policy education or civics-related curricula for youth may be eligible.

Full-time preK–12 teachers seeking professional development to improve classroom instruction can apply for fellow-designed fellowships that enhance skills, knowledge, and confidence. Fund for Teachers provides educators in Hawaii and across the U.S. with support for personalized learning experiences they design themselves, which must be implemented when they return to their classrooms the following year.

Early-career parasitology researchers in Hawaii who earned a master’s or doctoral degree within the last two years can apply for the Ashton Cuckler New Investigator Award from the American Society of Parasitologists. The award covers travel, accommodation, a cash prize, and a plaque presented at the Society’s Annual Meeting, recognizing outstanding graduate research.

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.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations and government units providing medical research or direct medical care for children may be eligible for Chun Foundation’s Chun Foundation Grant Program, offering US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants support treatment costs, prescriptions, and related travel for financially needy children aged 15 and under, particularly those in Hawaii, and may benefit public policy-related health initiatives.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.