Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running skilled trades workforce training or capacity-building initiatives, including those in Hawaii focused on energy efficiency and conservation, can seek large-scale support through the Blackrock Foundation’s BlackRock Future Builders initiative. This competitive RFP funds pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, wraparound supports, and systems-level projects with awards ranging from US $500,000 to US $1,000,000.

Hawaii nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or broader energy efficiency and conservation projects can access funding through the Solar Moonshot Program, managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. This U.S.-wide program offers grants up to US $25,000, prioritizing projects with additional funding, in Communities of Concern, serving youth or schools, and with near-term installation plans.

Organizations and stakeholders involved in large-scale energy infrastructure and grid planning can provide input to shape future funding and policy for expanding grid capacity and integrating major new loads. Grants from National Energy Technology Laboratory help Hawaii energy efficiency and conservation efforts by inviting feedback on transmission, generation, and regulatory challenges affecting growing electricity demand.

U.S. nonprofits developing industrial energy storage solutions that improve energy efficiency, including those serving Hawaii, can access phased cash awards up to US $700,000. The U.S. Department of Energy supports cost-effective thermal and electric storage concepts for industrial cooling, high-temperature processes, and hybrid heating, cooling, and power to advance industrial decarbonization.

Nonprofit organizations working on community safety, STEM education, environmental sustainability, or energy efficiency can seek limited grant support for related programs in Hawaii and beyond. Grants from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company help fund initiatives like safe mobility education, student career preparation, and projects addressing environmental and societal needs in line with its Better Future mission.

Low-income households needing home energy efficiency upgrades in Hawaii can receive weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help eligible residents reduce energy use and costs via state and local providers; nonprofits and local agencies may serve as administering providers rather than direct applicants.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and eligible community groups working on energy efficiency and conservation projects in Hawaii can seek support for programs that reduce energy use and promote sustainable practices. Entergy Charitable Foundation supports initiatives within its operations areas, including environmental education, renewable energy, and broader environmental resilience efforts that help create thriving communities.

Organizations commercializing ARPA-E–funded energy technologies in Hawaii can pursue large-scale applied R&D support to advance high-risk, high-impact innovations toward market deployment. The U.S. Department of Energy provides funding for scaling subject inventions from prior ARPA-E awards, including energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, biofuels, and other emerging energy technologies, where patents have been filed and reported in iEdison.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Hawaii and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative’s Catalyst Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Funding supports first-step or small-scale projects like LED upgrades, building envelope improvements, audits, and climate-focused facility or exhibition changes.

Hawaii energy efficiency and conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation, which supports U.S. organizations working on carbon reduction and sustainable energy. Programs focused on energy efficiency, conservation, and related climate solutions may be eligible, particularly where they advance environmental stewardship and climate justice in vulnerable communities.

Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation invites Hawaii visual arts museums and schools to seek funding for capital projects that cut building energy use and emissions. U.S.-based institutions with visual arts central to their mission may receive up to US $100,000 in implementation support for holistic, transformative clean energy initiatives.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative scoping grants, awarding up to US $25,000 for energy assessments and planning. Funding supports audits and consulting to identify energy efficiency, clean energy, and emissions-reduction opportunities in museum facilities.

Nonprofit organizations running energy efficiency, conservation, or natural resource programs in Hawaii, especially on Oahu’s Wai‘anae Coast and Kapolei, can access funding through the Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund. Grants support youth-focused environmental education, renewable energy projects with education components, stewardship activities, and land conservation that build a conservation ethic in local communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Hearst Foundations provides Hawaii nonprofits addressing social services and poverty with grants over US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses above $2 million and strong, scalable results in areas like affordable housing, food access, job training, reentry, or youth development may be eligible.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.