Best Community Development Grants in Hawaii

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects doing community development, entrepreneurship, or related social justice work in Hawaii can seek grants from the Firedoll Foundation. Funding of US $10,000 - US $30,000 supports discrete, one-year projects with clear deliverables, particularly those serving vulnerable populations through safety-net services, reentry, workforce development, or environmental conservation.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects can seek funding for community development, youth, health, education, arts, environment, and related programs or capital projects. The Atherton Family Foundation supports collaborative efforts and systems-change work, with specific deadlines for program and capital requests, including larger multi-year support for major renovation or new construction projects.

Grassroots groups in Hawaii working on social justice, mutual aid, and community organizing can seek urgent action funding for community development and relief efforts. Grants from Hawai'i People's Fund help initiatives such as food justice, indigenous rights, housing and eviction defense, environmental justice, and other change-oriented projects, with awards up to Up to US $5,000.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on cultural preservation, community development, and heritage education can seek funding to serve local communities. Focused on cultural development, Ama OluKai Foundation invites Hawaii community organizations to support Hawaiian traditions, language, arts, and the Aloha spirit, including outreach that educates residents and visitors about Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii community development and revitalization nonprofits planning major capital projects can access funding through Bank of Hawaii Foundation to benefit low- and moderate-income communities. 501(c)(3) organizations with strong fiscal and grant management, including those focused on affordable housing, economic development, education, human services, and arts education for children, may be eligible.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development in Hawaii can seek program funding to benefit low- and moderate-income communities. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of Hawaii Foundation provides support for initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, financial literacy, education, human services, and arts and culture, generally favoring well-established organizations.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Public and nonprofit entities working on disaster recovery and community economic development in Hawaii can seek funding for planning, construction, or large-scale industry transformation projects. The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration provides up to US $50,000,000 nationwide to help regions hit by 2023–2024 natural disasters rebuild and improve long-term economic resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development and revitalization in Hawaii can access funding through Crawford Taylor Foundation for programs that enhance community life. While the foundation focuses on the Greater St. Louis area, it also funds U.S.-based initiatives, so Hawaii projects that fit its priorities may be eligible.

Jewish high school students leading impactful community development projects in Hawaii and beyond can apply for the Peter Chortek Leadership Award, which offers up to US $9,540 for their efforts. Administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, it rewards innovative tikkun olam initiatives with funding and a donor-advised fund.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits and state or local government entities can seek funding for community development, food security, agriculture, education, or related initiatives. Greenpoint Foundation supports general operating expenses or specific projects, with priority for community enhancement efforts, and requires impact reports after completion to inform future grant consideration.

Hawaii community development and revitalization nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, healthcare, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and public health or emergency response. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may be eligible for up to US $10,000, with rolling quarterly review.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education access, humanitarian aid, or related initiatives in places like Utah and Northern California can apply for Strategic Impact Grants supporting measurable, well-governed programs. Bertin Family Foundation supports community development efforts, and Hawaii community organizations with aligned missions and strong stewardship may be eligible through its annual Q3 application cycle.

Nonprofit organizations developing community and economic self-sufficiency programs in Hawaii can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Grants support project-based activities such as financial independence tools, youth programming, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans, and broader civic and community development efforts.

Nonprofit organizations providing community development, social services, housing, youth, or veterans support, primarily in New Hampshire communities, can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants; awards US $500 - US $5,000 for local programs and event sponsorships. Hawaii community development groups may be eligible if their work aligns with these focus and service areas.

U.S.-based nonprofit staff or volunteers leading community development projects can seek micro grants to launch new efforts or add new components to existing work. Focused on uplifting unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders invites Hawaii community development organizations to apply for US $500 - US $1,000 to fund specific, values-driven project elements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, affordable housing, skilled trades, or clean water projects in Hawaii counties where Ferguson operates may be eligible for Ferguson Cares funding. Grants from Ferguson help strengthen local neighborhoods, expand economic wellbeing, and improve quality of life in communities within its U.S. geographic footprint.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing or community development can receive direct technical assistance to strengthen operations and programs in Hawaii and other eligible areas. With a mission to support rural capacity building, Housing Assistance Council provides customized one-on-one support to improve leadership, program design, and regulatory compliance.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with community development, economic mobility, or social services programs in Hawaii can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding. Support may cover initiatives that grow local economies, strengthen communities, advance financial literacy, and promote a more sustainable future within Hawaii’s communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for community development, housing, civic engagement, financial literacy, and technology education initiatives from Affirm Cares. Organizations in Hawaii may be eligible if their scalable, measurable programs advance financial inclusion, vibrant communities, or technology education within the U.S. or its territories.