Best Honolulu Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Hapai Pohaku Scholarship Fund, established in 2018 by Kapolei homestead leaders, aims to support students from the Kapolei homestead in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be high school graduates or equivalents. The fund emphasizes the importance of community engagement, as applicants must reside in the Kapolei Region and will be verified by the homestead president. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the local community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development can use this funding for programs and projects in eligible U.S. communities, including Honolulu, Hawaii. Grants from Ferguson help organizations within its geographic footprint build partnerships that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life where the company operates.

The Ho'ākea Source Grant supports the Pu'uhonua Society by promoting projects that honor the perspectives of Hawai'i residents. With funding between $2,000 and $10,000, totaling $90,000 for the 2024-2025 cycle, the grant prioritizes visual artists and collaboratives based on criteria of place, relationship-building, and transformative change. Applications from historically marginalized communities are particularly encouraged, fostering a more inclusive future for all of Hawai‘i.

The Windward Youth Leadership Grant empowers youth in Windward Oahu to engage in community service projects that foster leadership skills and community pride. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 support initiatives that benefit groups or organizations, ensuring that projects are youth-driven. Eligible applicants include youth groups and nonprofit organizations, with the aim of encouraging creativity and growth in their service efforts. This program emphasizes the importance of planning, execution, and youth leadership in making a positive impact.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Nonprofit organizations running environmental education and natural resource conservation programs in Honolulu, Hawaii can receive project or program support through Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund. Eligible work benefits communities in zip codes 96707 and 96792, especially youth-focused efforts that build conservation ethics and support the local economy.

Honolulu, Hawaii nonprofits serving children and families in need can access funding through GSF Foundation to support health, welfare, education, and basic-needs programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be nominated by a current GSF associate in Honolulu County, with applications obtained and signed through that associate for local and national review.

Students in Honolulu, Hawaii studying dance at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa can receive scholarship support for tuition and related academic costs. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation help undergraduate or graduate dance majors who are Hawaii residents, enrolled full time, demonstrate talent and financial need, and show commitment to the dance program or community.

The Toraji & Toki Yoshinaga Scholarship Fund, established in 1996 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports students attending BYU-Hawaii, Chaminade University, or Hawaii Pacific University. Award amounts vary, typically averaging around $6,000, based on financial need and academic standing. Applicants must be residents of Hawai‘i and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The AAOMR Charles R. Morris Student Research Award aims to inspire early-career researchers in oral and maxillofacial radiology. This prestigious award, offered by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, provides a $1000 monetary prize, a certificate, and free registration to their Annual Meeting. Eligible candidates include full-time pre-doctoral or undergraduate students from accredited programs, who are encouraged to present their research. This initiative fosters academic careers in a vital field.

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students in Honolulu, Hawaii can apply for Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s Peter J. Rappa Fellowship, which provides US $8,000 for an eight-week summer placement focused on coastal sustainability and resilience. Students interested in coastal conservation, climate change resilience, and community planning may benefit, including those connected with local nonprofit projects.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

Hawaii residents pursuing a full-time MD at UH Manoa JABSOM’s Imi Ho‘ola Post Baccalaureate Program can receive scholarship support for medical education through the Imi Ho‘ola Leadership Scholarship Fund. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation help eligible students in Honolulu, Hawaii with demonstrated financial need and leadership qualities continue their medical training.

Elementary school PTAs in Honolulu, Hawaii interested in hosting in-person, hands-on STEM family events can receive US $1,250 - US $5,000 to run a STEM + Families Science Festival. Sponsored by Bayer Fund and administered by the National Congress of Parents & Teachers, this funding supports engaging science experiences that bring students and families together.

The William Lew Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides financial support for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in business and associates degrees in culinary arts. This scholarship honors the memory of William Lew and aims to assist students of Chinese ethnicity residing in Hawai‘i, with awards averaging around $6,000. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and attend specific University of Hawaii campuses.

Nonprofit organizations improving facilities on existing Hawaiian Home Lands homesteads can apply for funding up to US $1,000,000 from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Focused on community facilities and infrastructure, projects must be beneficiary-driven and benefit DHHL homestead lessees, which may include Honolulu, Hawaii–based homestead communities.

Nonprofit organizations serving economically or socially disadvantaged residents in Honolulu, Hawaii can seek US $5,000 - US $150,000 to deliver public services or community programs. With a mission to support vulnerable populations and local quality of life, City & County of Honolulu provides grants for arts, culture, community and economic development, environmental projects, and related human services.

The Waipahu Community Foundation Grant supports programs that benefit Waipahu's youth, focusing on education, cultural activities, and addressing juvenile delinquency. Grants, capped at $5,000 per quarter, are available to IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations and government units within the 96797 ZIP code. The foundation encourages participation in community programs regardless of financial ability, ensuring equitable access to essential resources for all youth in the area.

The Ko'olau Pilina Fund Grant, supported by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, aims to enhance community resilience in the Ko'olau region of Oʻahu. This grant prioritizes projects that align with community values and support for organizations serving Hawaii. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public schools, with funding ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. The grant fosters grassroots initiatives through an open application process, empowering local communities to innovate and develop sustainable solutions.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in STEM education or supporting military personnel, families, and veterans in Honolulu, Hawaii can seek community investment funding. BAE Systems provides Honolulu organizations with grants for youth STEM engagement and future workforce education in areas like science, engineering, technology, and math, as well as military and veteran well-being programs.

The Clarence FW and Virginia WLC Young Living Trust provides scholarship support to Hawaii public high school graduates attending the University of Hawaii. Established in 2015, the scholarship aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are pursuing a major in Education. Eligible students must attend full-time at one of the designated University of Hawaii campuses.

Honolulu, Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate studies in computer science or international studies can access funding through the Kawasaki-McGaha Scholarship Fund to attend Hawai‘i Pacific University. Administered by Hawai'i Community Foundation, this scholarship supports Hawai‘i residents with financial need who maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, with preference for prior-year recipients in good standing.

Nonprofits, public entities, and eligible schools running food access or nutrition education programs in Honolulu, Hawaii can seek support for comprehensive malnutrition and hunger alleviation initiatives. Bayer Fund provides funding for experienced, financially sound organizations in Honolulu County that increase access to healthy food and promote long-term healthy eating behaviors, especially for underserved families with young children.

Undergraduate juniors and seniors in bachelor’s programs focused on pharmacology or medical education who are Hawai‘i residents may receive scholarship support for studies connected to University of Hawaii Maui College and other UH campuses. The Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Margaret Follett Haskins (Maui) Scholarship Fund may benefit Honolulu, Hawaii students meeting these criteria and demonstrating financial need.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.