Best Technology Grants in Hawaii

Nonprofit organizations running technology and digital-skills programs, including in Hawaii, can seek grants to advance future-forward education, climate action, and an inclusive economy. With a mission to power human progress, Kyndryl Charitable Foundation provides global nonprofits with support for cybersecurity and AI skills training and job placement for underrepresented learners and job seekers.

Local churches in the Kentucky Conference seeking support for stewardship, technology, or leadership development projects can apply for grants up to US $500. Grants from The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church help fund AV technology upgrades, generosity initiatives, and leader training, which may benefit congregations working on technology access and digital literacy in Hawaii and beyond.

U.S.-based nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and certain charitable LLC/for-profit initiatives working at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology can access funding from Borealis Philanthropy’s DIF x Tech Fund. Grants of US $25,000 - US $70,000 support disabled-led efforts like tech-focused activism, equitable digital infrastructure, and inclusive tech design, including work benefiting communities in Hawaii.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics can receive scholarship support through the Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund. Hawai'i Community Foundation provides Hawaii technology and STEM students with need-based funding to study at accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with preferences for prior recipients and Aiea Korean Methodist Church members or their children.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education and digital literacy can seek funding for technology, professional skills, and workforce development projects in Hawaii and other eligible areas. With a mission to inspire excellence, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides grants primarily for STEM initiatives that improve tech education and expand reliable broadband access.

501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology skills, and workforce development can apply for sponsorship support, including Hawaii-based groups. With a mission to strengthen tech education and broadband access, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides grants and sponsorships for community projects that advance technology learning and build a stronger regional workforce.

Undergraduate students in NOAA-related STEM and social science fields across the U.S. and territories can receive up to US $40,000 plus a paid summer internship through the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. Focused on oceanic, atmospheric, environmental, and technology disciplines, NOAA invites eligible majors, including those in Hawaii, to gain hands-on research and policy experience.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for technology education, digital literacy, and related community programs, including work in Hawaii. Affirm Cares provides support for initiatives in technology access and training, financial literacy, housing insecurity, homelessness, civic engagement, community development, and small business development, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Hawaii technology and rural development organizations can access funding to build broadband infrastructure and community connectivity projects through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants, with awards from US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Eligible applicants include governments, tribes, cooperatives, nonprofits, and for-profits serving rural areas lacking broadband, supporting economic growth, education, healthcare, public safety, and digital access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running Christian technology, media, or digital outreach projects, including those serving Hawaii, may be eligible for support to expand ministry and holistic programs. The Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, media and technology, stewardship, and children and youth initiatives with national and international impact.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and select regranting organizations using AI for community services, arts and culture, or local journalism can receive unrestricted support to strengthen their missions in the U.S., including Hawaii. OpenAI provides technology access and digital literacy funding to trusted, community-rooted organizations exploring practical, people-first AI applications with small to mid-sized budgets.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Hawaii working on science, education, creativity, or technology access and digital literacy can apply for Promega Corporate Giving support. Promega Corporation provides U.S. and Canadian groups with funding for educational enrichment, arts and cultural programs, and experimental initiatives that advance science and improve life globally.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations focused on technology access, digital literacy, and future workers can receive US $100,000 in funding plus HP technology and solutions through this national program, including Hawaii. Grants from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation help organizations serving youth, on-demand workers, and small businesses build digital skills and expand economic opportunity.

Research institutions and K-12 education partners in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for Arnold Ventures’ funding to conduct rigorous causal studies on school cell phone policies. Awards support randomized or quasi-experimental research on academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes, generating evidence to guide policymakers and school leaders on effective technology use in schools.

Technology-focused Internet Society Chapters working on digital access and literacy in Hawaii can apply for Beyond the Net grants up to US $35,000. Focused on technology access and digital literacy, the Internet Society Foundation invites chapters to propose projects that expand affordable, reliable connectivity and strengthen online trust and safety for under-connected communities.

Public-serving organizations and partners working on AI readiness, emerging technology, and digital literacy initiatives in Hawaii and other U.S. states and territories can seek large-scale funding to serve as State/Territory Coordination Hubs. National Science Foundation supports coordination, workforce upskilling, and practical AI implementation through this AI-Ready America opportunity, awarding US $3,000,000 - US $4,000,000 per hub.

Graduating high school seniors from Michigan’s lower peninsula pursuing full-time undergraduate, associate, or CTE programs can receive scholarship support that may help with technology-related studies. Focused on education, Saginaw Community Foundation invites students, including those interested in technology access and digital literacy, to apply for the Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship; Hawaii-based programs may not be eligible.

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

The Career Development Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women with bachelor's degrees seeking to advance or change careers, particularly in high-growth STEM fields. These grants fund post-bachelor's coursework, including master's degrees or certifications, at accredited institutions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their educational pursuits and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in accredited programs that promote women's participation in underrepresented fields.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.