Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Hawaii

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Hawaii can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Hawaii supports projects that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, typically awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000. While grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Hawaii nonprofits whose work aligns with these priorities may be eligible for project or operating support.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit communities and nonprofit initiatives in Hawaii and beyond.

Nonprofit organizations addressing women’s and children’s immediate and future needs through humanitarian aid, education, health care, or self-sufficiency projects in Hawaii can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective grant, offering up to US $750,000, may support programs in homelessness, food security, anti-trafficking, microfinance, and related services that build long-term resilience.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, mentoring, or athletics programs can access funding through the National Football League (NFL) Foundation’s Pro Bowl Community Grant. Grants support youth literacy, college preparation, mental health, abuse prevention, physical fitness, medical and hospice care, and other youth development services benefiting communities across Hawaii.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Hawaii conducting biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to support small-scale projects and enhance their research environment. The National Institutes of Health funds work in areas such as public health, neuroscience, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and related biomedical fields at institutions with limited prior NIH support.

Nonprofit and research organizations conducting basic or clinical medical research in Hawaii can apply for funding up to US $60,000 to build a strong local research community. Grants from Hawai‘i Community Foundation help Hawaii health and medical researchers study cancer, aging-related diseases, heart disease, immunology, genetics, diabetes, blindness prevention, and research infrastructure.

Grassroots social justice groups in Hawaii can seek urgent funding for community organizing, mutual aid, and wildfire relief efforts through Hawai'i People's Fund, with awards up to US $5,000. Community-based organizations, including those without 501(c)(3) status, may be eligible for work in areas like environmental justice, indigenous rights, housing, food access, and economic justice.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions, including those collaborating with Hawaii nonprofits, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health provide approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time and project support.

Early-career health researchers in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored research and protected time. Hawaii-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC junior faculty on health-related research or training projects may be able to collaborate under this program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program, capital, or matching support for education-focused work in Hawaii may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on education and related youth, arts, community, environmental, disability, and historic preservation programs, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prioritizes new or enhanced initiatives and short-term, one-time funding needs.

Health-focused organizations in Hawaii planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship funding for tangible benefits like exhibit space, banners, and recognition. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas; approval depends on alignment with its interests, event details, and the sponsorship benefits offered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Hawaii, can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, and environmental health. Focused on community-level change, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes U.S.-based groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8 million.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hawaii can seek program funding for community development, education, human services, and arts initiatives benefiting low- and moderate-income communities. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of Hawaii Foundation provides well-established organizations with support, technical assistance, and partnerships that may help expand impactful services and projects.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate degrees in conservation or environmental sciences can receive scholarship support for study at accredited four-year institutions. Focused on academic scholarship programs in fields like ecology, marine sciences, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, Hawai'i Community Foundation gives preference to past recipients who remain eligible and in good academic standing.

Free and charitable clinics in Hawaii that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, awarding US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical programs. Funding can support areas like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, and other patient-centered services for underserved communities.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in Illinois can receive academic scholarships supporting fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding for full-time study at accredited colleges or universities; Hawaii environmental organizations may share this opportunity with eligible students from Illinois counties.

Research scientists organizing agriculture, forestry, food, or fisheries events in Hawaii or other OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries can seek sponsorship for conferences, workshops, or symposia. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides support to share innovative research and inform policy makers, industry, and academia.

Hawaii 501(c)(3) public charities seeking major capital funding for community development, education, human services, or arts facilities can access funding through Bank of Hawaii Foundation. Priority goes to well-established organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities, including those focused on affordable housing, economic development, basic needs, and children’s educational and arts access.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

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.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program addresses the urgent need to protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. With over 10,000 native species at risk from invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss, this program focuses on restoring watershed functions, enhancing bird habitats, and promoting resilient coral reef ecosystems. By funding targeted conservation projects, NFWF aims to safeguard the islands' endemic species and restore the health of critical ecosystems vital for future generations.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program, established in 2005, supports innovative community-based environmental projects aimed at improving local watersheds and water supplies. Open to organizations within American Water service areas, it funds activities like watershed cleanup and biodiversity projects. Selection criteria emphasize project clarity, design innovation, community collaboration, sustainability, and engagement. This program reflects Illinois American Water's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support, ensuring clean and reliable water resources for all.