Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Hawaii

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Hawaii can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Hawaii supports projects enhancing 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 in the greater Chicago area can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support education, human services, health, conservation, and cultural programs. McGraw Foundation provides Hawaii nonprofits with unrestricted-style support through general operating, project, or occasional capital grants that may benefit organizations seeking flexible funding for community-focused work.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to address current challenges in the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit nonprofits and communities in Hawaii and beyond.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs in Hawaii can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 support efforts such as homelessness services, education, food security, employment assistance, health care, and related services that build long-term resilience and sustainability.

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 local organizations providing literacy, college preparation, wellness, abuse prevention, medical care, and youth development services that benefit communities across Hawaii beyond the Pro Bowl event.

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

Medical research institutions and organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for basic and clinical studies, including cancer, aging-related diseases, heart disease, immunology, genetics, type I diabetes, and blindness prevention. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation also support research infrastructure to build local capacity, which may help nonprofits strengthen or expand health-related programs benefiting Hawai‘i residents.

Grassroots social justice groups in Hawaii can seek up to US $5,000 for urgent community organizing, mutual aid, and relief efforts, especially supporting those impacted by the Maui wildfires. Grants from Hawai'i People's Fund help small, change-oriented organizations without 501(c)(3) status cover flexible, organizing-related costs across intersecting justice issues.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- and middle-income countries, including Hawaii-based institutions working with eligible LMIC scientists, can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund three to five years of protected research time and project support.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries, including those connected to Hawaii-based nonprofits, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and health-related research aligned with their country’s priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program, capital, or matching support for education-focused work can apply for $5,000 - $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focused on education and related community initiatives, arts, youth, environmental, and preservation programs, it may benefit Hawaii nonprofits whose work fits the Trust’s national priorities.

Hawaii nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with reasonable marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation provides Hawaii organizations working in areas like neurology, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, lupus, ALS, stroke, and related diseases with event-focused sponsorship support, subject to funding availability and alignment with its disease-area interests.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek general operating support for environmental, climate justice, and healthy food systems work, including in Hawaii. Focused on regenerative agriculture, food workers’ safety, and inclusive outdoor access, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants reviewed twice annually.

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 support, technical assistance, and partnerships to well-established organizations with strong fiscal management and diverse revenue sources.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate degrees in conservation or environmental sciences at accredited four-year institutions can receive scholarship support to cover educational costs. Focused on conservation-related studies, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants who are state residents with financial need and at least a 3.0 GPA; prior-year recipients in good standing may receive preference.

Free and charitable clinics in Hawaii that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, with awards of US $30,000 - US $50,000 to launch or grow clinical programs for underserved patients. Funding can support services like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, and other patient care expansions.

Students pursuing natural resources or environmental studies who reside in specific northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship support for full-time study from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. With a mission to support higher education in conservation-related fields, this scholarship may benefit Hawaii nonprofits that mentor or prepare students for these careers.

Research scientists organizing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or food-related events in Hawaii or other OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries can seek funding to support 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) nonprofits seeking major capital funding for community development, education, human services, or arts programs can access funding through Bank of Hawaii Foundation. Established organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities, including those focused on affordable housing, financial literacy, and basic needs, may receive support for significant capital projects.

The RNRF Rapid Response Grants provide essential funding up to $50,000 for projects adversely affected by the loss of federal support. The program aims to foster collaboration among organizations working towards sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration with RNRF member organizations, ensuring impactful outcomes in critical focus areas such as air quality, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.

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 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for FY 2026 encourages collaboration between the NRCS and partners to address critical natural resource concerns through innovative projects. By co-investing with partners, the program aims to enhance conservation efforts on farms and private lands, ensuring equitable access to NRCS services. Selected proposals will be based on their potential impact and effective partnership management, ultimately improving environmental outcomes across designated Critical Conservation Areas.

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.