Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Hawaii

The Kim Coco League of Extraordinary Scholars was established in 2017 to provide support for transgender students in Hawaii who are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to assist those who demonstrate financial need and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and being graduates of Hawaii public high schools. By fostering educational opportunities for gender-diverse individuals, the scholarship promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

The Atherton Family Foundation Grants support charitable activities in Hawai‘i, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. Capital requests over $25,000 are only accepted in July, while program requests are accepted in January, April, and October. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor. The foundation prioritizes collaborative approaches to address community issues and typically funds grants for one year, with specific guidelines for larger capital projects.

The Kazuo and Nancy Asato Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, aims to support students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate financial need, good character, and academic merit. Preference is given to previous awardees who continue to meet requirements. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in social work and related fields, fostering opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits.

Organizations in Hawaii that are new to AmeriCorps funding, including small community-based and faith-based groups, can seek planning support to design new AmeriCorps service programs. Grants from Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service help build capacity through training, technical assistance, and up to US $75,000 to develop evidence-informed program models that address community needs.

The Karen and Gerry Keir Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of Hawaii pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to college juniors and seniors, as well as previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower students in their academic journeys.

The Kamp Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, aims to provide scholarships that promote career education and training. It primarily supports students in engineering, business, and medicine. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The Ka'iulani Home For Girls Trust Scholarship supports females of Hawaiian ancestry who are college freshmen or sophomores with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Established in 1963 to continue the mission of the original Ka'iulani Home for Girls, it emphasizes financial need and good moral character. Recipients are preferred if they continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain good academic standing. Applications require a verification letter from Kamehameha Schools.

The Kahiau Scholarship Fund, established in 2007, aims to support students in Hawaii by providing scholarships based on financial need and academic performance. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate community involvement related to the spirit of kahiau, meaning generous giving without expectation. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund fosters educational opportunities and community spirit among Hawaii's youth.

The Ka'ehu Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Hawaii who demonstrate financial need. Eligible applicants include those who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and may be part Native Hawaiian, identify as LGBT, or have a history of community service and athletics. This fund not only focuses on academic achievement but also values diversity and community involvement among its recipients.

The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Hawaii's children and families through improved early education. With a focus on children aged 0-36 months, the foundation aims to support non-profits that provide vital services, including prenatal care and nutrition. For 2026, $650,000 will be allocated to initiatives that foster healthy development and equitable opportunities for low-income families, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early education.

The Ka'a'awa Community Fund, established by the Ka'a'awa Community Association in 1995, aims to support long-time residents of Kualoa, Ka'a'awa, Makaua, and Kahana. To qualify, applicants must be Hawaii residents in financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund exemplifies community support and encourages educational advancement among its local residents.

The Kūpuna Aging in Place Program, supported by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, offers crucial services to help low- to moderate-income seniors age 65 and older in Hawai‘i live independently. This multi-year grant initiative funds organizations providing community support, adult day care, and caregiver services, ensuring that kūpuna and their caregivers receive necessary assistance. With over 30 years of experience, the Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for Hawai‘i's elderly population.

The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation invites applications for its 2026 funding cycle, aimed at enhancing Native Hawaiian early education through culturally relevant programs. Eligible organizations should provide dual-language and culture-based programming for children of all races. The foundation emphasizes the importance of high-quality early education that incorporates indigenous values. Interested applicants must discuss their project plans and budgets, ensuring multiple funding sources are secured. Key deadlines for application submissions are December 22, 2025, May 4, 2026, and September 7, 2026.

The K.M. Hatano Scholarship Fund, established in 1987 by Mr. Yasuji Hatano, supports academically excellent individuals from Maui, Lanai, and Molokai who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those pursuing business management or visitor industry majors. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and community engagement among Hawaii's youth.

The Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship supports seminary graduate students pursuing theology. Applicants must be graduate students, residents of Hawai’i, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and intend to become ordained Protestant ministers. Funding is available for up to four years, requiring annual reapplication. Additionally, awardees must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and be full-time students. This scholarship fosters religious leadership within the community.

The Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship supports undergraduate studies for children of Protestant ministers residing in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and reapply annually to receive funding for up to four years. Preference may be given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to empower students from ministerial backgrounds to pursue their educational goals.

The Joseph and Elaine Malama Vierra Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, supports Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in conservation and environmental sciences. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and attend an accredited four-year institution. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund encourages the study of vital fields, including Conservation Biology and Marine Sciences, contributing to the sustainability of Hawaii's natural resources.

The Joseph & Alice Duarte Memorial Fund, established in 2002 by Patrick Duarte, honors his parents and supports graduates of Holualoa Elementary School from Hawaii Island. This fund prioritizes applicants who demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing, specifically those from North or South Kona. Preference is given to previous recipients if they continue to meet eligibility criteria. The fund aims to empower local students by providing financial assistance for their educational pursuits.

The Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 in honor of a dedicated fire emergency medical specialist, supports Hawaii Island high school graduates pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Preference is given to previous recipients and those studying in fire-related fields. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for future leaders in emergency services.

The Jon "J.D." Sakamoto Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, offers financial support for students from Hawaii Island pursuing degrees in culinary arts, music, or art. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to graduates of Kealakehe or Konawaena High School. This scholarship aims to empower talented individuals to achieve their educational goals in the arts.

The John Dawe Dental Education Fund honors Dr. John H. Dawe's dedication to the dental community in Hawai'i. It supports students pursuing dentistry or related fields, emphasizing financial need and good academic standing. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawai'i and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet these criteria. This fund aims to foster the next generation of dental professionals in the region.

The G.N. Wilcox Charitable Trust provides tuition aid to tax-exempt educational institutions in Hawaii serving preschool to 12th grade children. Founded by George Wilcox, a prominent figure in Kauai's development, the trust emphasizes the importance of community contributions, requiring full board participation in funding. Notably, it prioritizes support for Kauai schools and prefers to be one of multiple contributors to sustain the educational programs.

The John and Ruth Stepulis and Alice Smalley Scholarship Fund, established in 2017, supports nursing students pursuing a college or post-high school degree. Eligible applicants must be Hawai‘i residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and be full-time undergraduate students at accredited institutions. Preference is given to renewal applicants and first-generation students. The fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and encourage skilled individuals to enter the nursing profession.

The John & Anne Clifton Scholarship Fund, established in 2002, supports residents of Hawaii by providing financial assistance to students with demonstrated need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to past recipients who maintain eligibility and good academic standing. This fund, managed by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aims to recognize and support students exhibiting academic merit and good character, ensuring continued educational opportunities for deserving individuals.

The Johanna Drew Cluney Scholarship Fund, established in 2004, offers financial assistance to Hawaii residents pursuing vocational or technical education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be high school graduates attending a community college or vocational training institute in Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and students of Hawaiian ancestry, ensuring support for those who continue to meet eligibility requirements.

The Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, supports students in Hawaii pursuing higher education in agriculture, sustainability, or environmental studies. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, and be active in community service. Preference is given to those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative by the Hawai'i Community Foundation aims to foster educational opportunities and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Nonprofit organizations in Hawaii planning construction or facility improvement projects can seek reimbursement-based Capital Improvement Project grants for eligible building costs. With a mission to support community services, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Office of Community Services provides funding to licensed, state-incorporated nonprofits that meet governance, nondiscrimination, and records-access requirements, which may include organizations enhancing spaces for teacher training or continuing education.