Best Renewable Energy Grants in Hawaii

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in Hawaii working on renewable or sustainable energy, ocean conservation, education, human services, arts, or civic projects can seek community giving support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Matson Foundation provides funding, in-kind goods, and services, prioritizing programs in its service areas that are employee-supported, sustainable, and show measurable results.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate degrees in conservation, environmental sciences, or renewable/sustainable energy fields can receive scholarship support for study at accredited four-year institutions. Focused on environmental and renewable energy-related disciplines, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA; prior-year recipients may receive preference if they remain eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with three years of history and $100,000+ budgets in Hawaii can access funding through RBC Foundation USA for programs building job skills, youth career readiness, inclusive prosperity, and net‑zero transition efforts. Eligible projects may include workforce training, financial stability initiatives, and community-based environmental sustainability or energy-efficiency improvements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, working on renewable and sustainable energy or related environmental initiatives in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for Clif Family Foundation’s open call grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000 support one year of general operating costs for grassroots, community-rooted efforts.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Hawaii and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative’s Catalyst Grants. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step or small-scale efforts like solar installations, LED upgrades, building redesigns, audits, and museum-specific sustainability measures that reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM doctoral programs, including those in Hawaii, can apply for National Science Foundation support to expand research capacity and increase production of research Ph.D. graduates. Focus areas include renewable and sustainable energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, data science, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and related emerging technologies through the CREST-RISE program’s three institutional support tracks.

High school seniors pursuing STEM majors and living in Southern California Edison’s service territory can receive up to US $50,000 for undergraduate study from Edison International. Focused on STEM and renewable/sustainable energy fields, this scholarship may benefit Hawaii-related renewable energy education or partnerships that involve eligible students connected to SCE’s service area.

Organizations conducting social, cultural, economic, or historical research on fisheries and offshore wind interactions in the U.S. Northeast, including teams with partners in Hawaii, can seek up to US $400,000 for collaborative studies. Northeast Sea Grant Consortium supports projects that involve affected fishing communities and build actionable science for communities, developers, and decision-makers.

Graduate-level students and researchers in renewable or sustainable energy, climate, cybersecurity, AI, and related emerging technologies can receive up to US $40,000 for study between Australia and the U.S., including Hawaii. With a mission to support AUKUS-related fields, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, living, and research costs.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related environmental issues, the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from American Water Works Association may benefit students whose work connects to renewable or sustainable energy in Hawaii.

Organizations commercializing ARPA-E–funded energy technologies in Hawaii and other U.S. jurisdictions can apply for United States Department of Energy support to scale subject inventions. Grants provide US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 for high-risk, transformative applied R&D and early-stage technology development in renewable and other advanced energy fields, where inventions originated under prior ARPA-E awards.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives pursuing offshore wind engagement and capacity-building in the U.S., including Hawaii, can apply for up to US $565,000 to plan and implement renewable energy engagement activities. Focused on offshore wind, the U.S. Department of Energy provides multi-phase cash prizes plus technical assistance for planning, community engagement, and implementation.

U.S. industrial and energy innovators developing thermal or electric storage solutions can access support through the U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize. This three-phase national competition offers up to US $700,000 per team for concepts, prototypes, and validated systems that enhance energy efficiency and enable renewable energy use at industrial facilities, including those in Hawaii.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy or clean drinking water initiatives in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for Park Foundation environment grants. Grants support policy development, advocacy, organizing, corporate responsibility, and investigative reporting focused on reducing fossil fuel reliance and protecting public water resources, especially in New York State and nationally.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations in Hawaii can apply for BMO Financial Group’s funding to support renewable and sustainable energy, environmental conservation, and related community programs. Eligible projects must take place in Canada or the U.S. and may also address financial literacy, economic mobility, or building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Hawaii renewable and sustainable energy organizations can access funding through AES Hawaii Foundation for projects that advance social justice, energy equality, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, or community health and resilience. Eligible programs must serve communities near AES Hawaiʻi renewable projects or operate with impact at a statewide level in Hawaii.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on solar education, workforce development, or installations in the U.S. can access funding through All Points North Foundation to expand proven programs. Grants of US $60,000 - US $100,000 support renewable energy projects that benefit local communities, with strong organizational capacity and outcome tracking expected.

Tribal colleges and universities in Hawaii and across the U.S. can seek grants to expand informal, community-based extension projects in agriculture, youth, economic development, healthy lifestyles, natural resources, and related areas. With a mission to strengthen community extension, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides up to US $300,000, which may include renewable and sustainable energy initiatives important to Tribal communities.

The Sun Grant Program, supported by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance national energy security and promote economic growth in rural areas through biobased energy technologies. It focuses on developing diverse agricultural systems and improving coordination in bioenergy research. This initiative is designed to foster innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector while addressing energy needs, making significant contributions to rural development and energy efficiency.

Nonprofit and public organizations in Hawaii working on renewable and sustainable energy, environmental stewardship, or community vitality may access funding through Waste Management’s Charitable Contributions Program. Waste Management supports projects that advance environmental conservation, sustainability education, workforce and skills development, and community development, which may benefit Hawaii-based renewable energy and clean energy education initiatives.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Makana Aloha Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the Maui community through support of public education, arts, healthcare, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. It aims to provide seed capital for projects that foster self-sustainability in local non-profits. The foundation prioritizes innovative, non-sectarian initiatives that promote inclusivity and avoid discrimination based on race, religion, or other factors, ensuring a broad impact across the island.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The E2 Energy to Educate Grant, offered by Constellation Energy Resources, empowers students from sixth grade to college to tackle current and future energy challenges. With grants up to $50,000, projects can enhance understanding of STEM and energy careers, particularly for underserved communities. Innovation themes include sustainability, nuclear technology, and clean energy solutions, aiming to inspire diverse participation in the energy sector while addressing climate change through advanced technologies.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.