Best Honolulu County Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Richard Beatty Mellon Environmental Stewardship Award, established in 1954, honors individuals or organizations for significant contributions to pollution abatement. Eligible candidates demonstrate dedicated efforts in promoting air pollution control and waste management. This prestigious award reflects the legacy of Richard Beatty Mellon, who pioneered research in air quality and environmental protection. The award is open to both members and nonmembers of the Air & Waste Management Association.

The Strong Foundation Grant offers funding for youth-oriented programs and organizations in Hawaii, with an emphasis on major capital needs. Organizations can apply for one grant every three years, and must secure sponsorship from a Strong Foundation trustee to submit a request. This ensures that the trustee is knowledgeable about the charity's mission and can advocate on its behalf during the foundation's annual meeting.

The Gee Hing Chinese Company Charitable Trust offers General Capital Grants to support the promotion and preservation of Chinese culture and history in Hawaii, particularly in North and South Kona. The Trust focuses on funding small capital projects and equipment for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are considered annually, with a requirement for a final report before future requests. This initiative enhances cultural heritage and community engagement in Hawaii.

The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports various fields including arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Established in 1938, it offers general operating grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. The foundation prefers projects that engage the community, especially on Kauai, and typically requires a strong relationship with the Trust. However, it does not fund individuals or multiple-year projects.

The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Grant supports small capital projects and equipment costing under $500,000, benefiting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii. Established in 1938, the foundation focuses on arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community initiatives. Preference is given to projects on Kauai, emphasizing board participation in funding. Notably, grants do not cover individual requests, endowments, or deficit financing, ensuring a broad community impact.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation is dedicated to enhancing communities through impactful programs targeting low and moderate-income areas. It supports initiatives in community development, education, human services, and arts integration, while emphasizing financial literacy. The Foundation collaborates with established non-profits, providing financial support and resources, and prefers organizations with a strong fiscal record. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) charities, with a focus on sustainable community growth and effective management.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation's Major Capital Grant aims to bolster low and moderate-income communities through impactful programs. With a focus on community development, education, human services, and arts integration, the Foundation partners with established non-profits to address essential needs. Grants primarily support significant capital projects, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and successful management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong operational history. This initiative seeks to empower community strength and sustainability.

The John M. Ross Foundation offers a Major Capital Grant to support tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations on Hawaii's Big Island. Focused on aiding teens aged 11-18, the grant prioritizes programs addressing higher needs, such as financial difficulties or limited family support. Eligible projects may receive funding for specific equipment or materials that directly benefit these youth. Fields of interest include Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Religion, and Community.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The HPM Foundation offers substantial financial support, granting $100,000 annually to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to empower and uplift communities by funding various projects and services. Recent beneficiaries include organizations such as the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, and the Hawaii Island Food Basket. Through these contributions, the foundation fosters collaboration and strengthens the local nonprofit sector, ensuring vital resources are available to those in need.

The TKoster’s Charitable Innovated Health Care Award, established by Teresa Koster, aims to enhance students' access to quality health care. With a funding amount of $3,500, this award supports innovative practices in student health centers. It addresses critical areas such as understanding health care needs, improving service delivery, and leveraging technology. Eligible applicants include members of the American College Health Association, encouraged to demonstrate partnerships and financial support in their proposals.

The Wilbur Awards, presented annually since 1949 by the Religion Communicators Council, celebrate excellence in communicating religious values and themes in secular media. Open to individuals and organizations, entries must have been published or broadcast in 2024. Categories include audio, audio-visual, images, and written works, allowing for both English and non-English submissions. The awards emphasize professionalism and respect in highlighting uplifting religious narratives within diverse media platforms.

The Natural Disaster USA Fund, established by National Garden Clubs (NGC) in 1997, supports local and state garden clubs in restoring areas affected by natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that include site location, disaster nature, restoration plans, and cost estimates. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by State Garden Clubs or Member Clubs and can apply for funds to enhance damaged public spaces, including gardens and parks.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.

The Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The NFL Grants program, in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. This initiative funds programs aimed at improving health and well-being, enhancing opportunities, and reducing barriers to care. Organizations providing direct services to the military community can apply for funding, ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications reviewed year-round.

The Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant Program, offered by The Recycling Partnership, supports communities in enhancing their recycling efforts through grant funding and technical assistance. It encourages the implementation of cart-based recycling systems, conversion from bins to carts, and expansion of service areas to ensure equitable access. This initiative also includes vital education and outreach support, helping residents improve their recycling habits and ultimately achieve higher recycling rates.

The Miller Trust Grants, managed by EveryCat Health Foundation, support innovative feline health research. With a focus on projects that enhance knowledge of feline diseases and treatments, the grants offer up to $50,000 for 1-2 year projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators from specific partner institutions. EveryCat has a rich history of funding over $11 million in research, promoting the health and well-being of cats globally. Proposals are welcomed in Spring and Fall grant cycles.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

The Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts Grant Program, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, aims to enhance transfer opportunities between community colleges and private four-year liberal arts institutions. With grants up to $350,000, this initiative supports partnerships that promote timely degree completion for underrepresented students, fostering diversity and enriching academic environments. The program addresses transfer challenges, ensuring alignment in curricula and maximizing credit transferability to facilitate successful transitions to higher education.

CSX Charitable Investments offers Community Service Grants to organizations that significantly impact their communities. These grants aim to support entities with tax-exempt status, government agencies, or educational institutions. The application process is open year-round, with responses expected within 30–45 days. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve military families and first responders, reflecting CSX's commitment to community service and support for local needs.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.

The AccessLex Bar Success Research Grant Program aims to fund innovative and rigorous studies focused on the bar examination, including predictors of performance and effective preparation methodologies. By encouraging collaborations among educational institutions and stakeholders, the program seeks to enhance bar passage rates for at-risk students. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 24 months, promoting well-designed research that addresses critical issues in legal education.

The AccessLex Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program aims to support initiatives that facilitate the entry of college students from historically underrepresented groups into law school. By providing funding of $200,000 to $300,000 over 12 to 24 months, the program seeks to improve enrollment and success rates for these students. AccessLex Institute emphasizes research-backed strategies and collaborative programs to enhance educational outcomes in legal education.

The AAS Northeast Asia Council (NEAC) Distinguished Speakers Bureau Grant invites applications from U.S. and Canadian colleges to host distinguished scholars for public lectures on Japan and Korea. This program, initiated in 2011, aims to foster engagement with early career scholars and enhance East Asian studies. Grants cover honoraria of $500 and additional funding for in-person events, promoting accessibility and academic collaboration. Institutions are encouraged to apply every three years, ensuring support for smaller programs in Asian studies.

The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants offer one-time financial assistance of up to $3,000 for professional dancers facing urgent financial crises. Applicants must demonstrate a critical need due to circumstances like housing instability, healthcare costs, or food insecurity. Eligible dancers must be 21 or older, reside in the U.S., and have an income below specified thresholds. This program aims to support dancers in overcoming financial hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen challenges.