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.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable, impact-focused solutions, including work in Hawaii. Grants provide multi-year capital plus intensive capacity-building and community support for ventures serving underserved populations across priority regions.

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 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.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can seek grants supporting food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding nationally, so Hawaii nonprofits engaged in community health or related public policy efforts may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, jobs, hunger, or related community development needs can seek sponsorship support, including in Hawaii. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help advance economic mobility through basic needs, workforce development, community revitalization, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion programs in low- and moderate-income communities.

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.

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.

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 Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

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 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.