Best Hawaii Grants for Nonprofits

The Lynn B. and Jade A. Mariano Shared Blessings Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Lillian K.T. Chinn, supports students from Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Priority is given to non-traditional students who are working and engaged in community service, as well as previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower deserving individuals to pursue their educational goals.

Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Margaret Jones Memorial Nursing Fund

The Margaret Jones Memorial Nursing Fund, established in 1917, supports nursing students in Hawai'i. Named after a nurse who perished in World War I, it provides financial assistance to those pursuing nursing degrees. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, be residents of Hawai'i, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to past recipients and members of the Hawaii Nurses' Association. This fund aims to ensure a steady supply of qualified nursing professionals in the community.

Nursing Medical Education & Professional Training

HI: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Hawaii

Federal Government

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service supports farmers and landowners in integrating conservation practices into their operations. This program offers financial and technical assistance to address key environmental issues such as soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Applications are accepted continuously, but timely submissions by state-specific ranking dates enhance eligibility for current funding. EQIP aims to promote sustainable agriculture while mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Environmental Conservation Agriculture Natural Resources +12 more

Mary Josephine Bloder Scholarship Fund

The Mary Josephine Bloder Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated teacher, supports Lahainaluna High School boarding students who excel in science. This renewable scholarship aims to assist those in financial need while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a science teacher at the school, ensuring that past recipients can reapply if they continue to meet the criteria.

Science Academic Scholarship Programs

Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program

Historic Hawai'i Foundation

The Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grant Program, established by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, aims to support the preservation and enhancement of historically significant buildings in Downtown Hilo, Hawai‘i. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program encourages community involvement in preserving the unique architectural heritage and cultural identity of the area, fostering a sense of place and improving local societal relationships. Approximately ten grants are awarded annually, promoting sustainable practices in historic preservation.

US $10,000 - US $100,000

Historic Preservation Greening & Beautification

Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Federal Government

Alaska, Arkansas +22 more

Up to US $400,000

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

Science Biology Health & Medicine

Mike and Betty Ben Paddling Scholarship Fund

The Mike and Betty Ben Paddling Scholarship Fund, established in 2020, supports Hawaii residents who graduated from a Hawaii Island public high school and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and encourages paddlers, offering preference to those with a GPA of 2.25 or higher. Previous recipients meeting eligibility may reapply. The fund aims to empower local students pursuing higher education.

Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs Recreational Water Use & Boating

Nathalie Y. Lee Scholarship Fund

The Nathalie Y. Lee Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, provides financial support to students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to full-time students of Chinese ancestry, first-generation college attendees, and those who have been involved in the foster care system. Previous recipients may reapply if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Education - Higher Education

Ka'iulani Home For Girls Trust Scholarship

The Ka'iulani Home For Girls Trust Scholarship supports females of Hawaiian ancestry who are college freshmen or sophomores with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Established in 1963 to continue the mission of the original Ka'iulani Home for Girls, it emphasizes financial need and good moral character. Recipients are preferred if they continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain good academic standing. Applications require a verification letter from Kamehameha Schools.

Native American Services Academic Scholarship Programs

Kamp Scholarship Fund

The Kamp Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, aims to provide scholarships that promote career education and training. It primarily supports students in engineering, business, and medicine. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in their educational pursuits.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Engineering Business Education +2 more

Karen and Gerry Keir Scholarship Fund

The Karen and Gerry Keir Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of Hawaii pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to college juniors and seniors, as well as previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower students in their academic journeys.

Academic Scholarship Programs Education Journalism

Cultural and Historical Preservation & Revitalization Grant: General Program Requests

Community Culture & Heritage Historic Preservation Historical Records & Archives +1 more

Up to US $250,000

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hawai‘i Community Foundation invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society.

We administer a number of grantmaking programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. Hawai‘i Community Foundation also assists several private foundations in delivering their grantmaking programs according to their specific strategies.

Cultural and Historical Preservation & Revitalization

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to support non-governmental, community-driven initiatives that advance the restoration, preservation, documentation, and perpetuation of Lahaina’s cultural and historic resources impacted by the 2023 wildfires.

When conducting a scan of Lahaina's cultural and historic landmarks, we see a variety of needs emerging within the context of a shared understanding of the cultural significance of spaces and places, the status of damage and potential restoration, and the mounting obstacles of historical preservation post-fire. This funding seeks to support the community’s efforts to uplift the histories and cultures that represent Lahaina’s past, present, and future.

Program applicants should consider how their projects and activities are uplifting the recovery of the impacted region, how cultural and historical programs and projects support individual and collective healing, and what efforts can be supported to recover or revitalize significant histories that can and should be preserved at this time.

All applications received will be shared with the Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative members.

General Program Requests

The award ceiling for general program requests is $250,000

NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program addresses the urgent need to protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. With over 10,000 native species at risk from invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss, this program focuses on restoring watershed functions, enhancing bird habitats, and promoting resilient coral reef ecosystems. By funding targeted conservation projects, NFWF aims to safeguard the islands' endemic species and restore the health of critical ecosystems vital for future generations.

US $50,000 - US $200,000

Environmental Conservation Ornithological Conservation Marine / Ocean Conservation +2 more

Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund

The Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, aims to support students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, good character, and academic merit. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet requirements. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in social work and related fields, fostering opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits.

Humanities & Social Science Academic Scholarship Programs

Hawaii Economic Recovery Funding via Hawai'i Community Foundation

Focused on economic recovery and resilience, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored community groups to restore livelihoods in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires. Eligible projects support wildfire-affected communities through community-driven economic development, including regenerative and ecotourism models that promote equity, cultural values, and environmental stewardship, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000.

US $25,000 - US $500,000

Community / Public Safety Firefighting & Fire Prevention Disaster Preparedness +1 more

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Grants for Hawaii Capacity Building

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)

State/Local Government

Partnerships of DHHL beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, individuals, and organizations in Hawaii can seek funding to build community capacity in Native Hawaiian homestead communities. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supports projects up to US $20,000 that strengthen governance, leadership, outreach, resource development, and internal systems to advance beneficiary-driven community visions.

Up to US $20,000

Farmland Preservation

Hawaii Capital Project Funding via Office of Community Services

Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Office of Community Services (OCS)

State/Local Government

Hawaii nonprofit and community organizations planning construction or other capital improvement projects can seek reimbursement-based support through state Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grants. With a mission to strengthen licensed service providers, the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Office of Community Services requires applicants to be Hawaii-incorporated, properly accredited, and compliant with nondiscrimination, records access, and other state and federal requirements.

Nonprofit Growth & Development

Manufacturing Support Funding from Hawaii Technology Development

Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation

State/Local Government

Hawaii-based manufacturing companies seeking help with equipment, training, or facility planning can receive reimbursement support to boost productivity and growth. With a mission to develop the technology sector, Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation provides up to US $1,500 - US $100,000 in reimbursements for qualified manufacturing expenses, which may benefit organizations advancing economic and community development in Hawaii.

US $1,500 - US $100,000

Business Development Manufacturing Engineering Economic Services & Development

PLTW Biomedical Science- New Program- Initiative: PLTW Grant ( within 50 states of US)

Project Lead the Way inc.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Alabama, Alaska +49 more

Up to US $14,000

STEM / STEAM Education

Kim Coco League of Extraordinary Scholars

The Kim Coco League of Extraordinary Scholars was established in 2017 to provide support for transgender students in Hawaii who are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to assist those who demonstrate financial need and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and being graduates of Hawaii public high schools. By fostering educational opportunities for gender-diverse individuals, the scholarship promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

LGBTQIA+ Services Academic Scholarship Programs

Korean University Club Scholarship Fund