Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Hawaii

Grassroots groups in Hawaii working on social justice, environmental justice, and community organizing can receive up to US $5,000 for urgent action projects and mutual aid. Grants from Hawai'i People's Fund help efforts like food justice, indigenous land protection, anti-eviction organizing, and other change-oriented responses, with priority for Maui wildfire relief initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects working on environmental conservation and environmental justice in Hawaii can seek project funding from the Firedoll Foundation; awards range from US $10,000 - US $30,000. Focus is on discrete, one-year projects with clear deliverables within the foundation’s defined geographic and issue areas.

Hawaii environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor can access funding for anti-racist work in education, health, housing, environment, arts, and economic prosperity through Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good. While the foundation’s primary geographic focus is Kent County, Michigan, eligible partners working on environmental injustice may be considered.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous people in Hawaii can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, offering up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and movement-building. Funding can cover supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for environmental justice efforts defending Indigenous rights, land, air, water, and natural resources.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Hawaii can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts Technical Assistance Grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 for hiring staff to expand conservation technical assistance. Programs addressing environmental justice, food security, clean water, and outdoor equity may be especially relevant.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with environmental justice, conservation, or related programs in Hawaii and other U.S. locations can seek up to US $100,000 for transformative projects. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, two-year grants for new or expanding initiatives in defined focus areas.

Artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects addressing environmental issues and climate crisis through art in Hawaii can apply for Puffin Foundation support. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin provides funding for solution-focused environmental artistic activism that educates the public, with priority for projects taking place in the U.S. and underserved communities.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Hawaii with environmental justice or other kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 plus a 12‑month leadership program. Eligible projects are youth-led, U.S.-based, and ideally partnered with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Hawaii working on environmental justice and related issues can receive support for their own projects through the Brower Youth Awards. Earth Island Institute provides North America-based youth with US $3,000, leadership training, networking, and media exposure, which may benefit Hawaii environmental justice efforts.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice in Hawaii can apply for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, with a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help storytellers worldwide highlight urgent climate issues, which may support environmental justice and advocacy efforts connected to Hawaii’s communities and ecosystems.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for the ACS Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year placement with the American Chemical Society’s Government Affairs team in the U.S., open to candidates from Hawaii. Focus areas include environmental policy, green chemistry, STEM education, and federal research funding.

Nonprofit environmental justice and advocacy groups in Hawaii can seek funding for bold, action-oriented campaigns that address root causes of environmental harm and protect affected communities. Patagonia Org supports grassroots efforts that build inclusive movements, confront systemic bias, and engage the public, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000 for work in eligible countries including the U.S.

Hawaii youth-led climate justice and environmental justice groups can access funding through Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund to support local or national socio-environmental organizing. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under, work non-violently and legally, and may receive up to US $40,000 through a participatory grantmaking process.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits focused on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability can receive up to US $25,000 plus intensive operational support through this 18‑month program. Focused on nonprofit growth and environmental justice, Levine Impact Lab invites eligible organizations, including those serving Hawaii, to advance strategic, financial, and organizational priorities with hands-on advising and a national peer cohort.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development in Hawaii and across the Americas can apply for support from the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas. Grants may back research, protected areas, community rights, environmental education, or sustainable livelihoods, with preference for regions where the corporation has a strong presence.

Environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits in Hawaii can seek project support that protects wild species and habitats. Focused on grassroots ecological campaigns, Fund for Wild Nature supports small, tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. and Canada that challenge destructive policies and practices, with a preference for underfunded ecological issues and groups with annual budgets under $250,000.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.