Hawaii Private Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maui County that are working to improve access to healthy food for families affected by food insecurity.

This grant provides financial support and resources to women entrepreneurs in Hawaii, particularly those from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian backgrounds, to help grow their early-stage businesses.

This grant provides funding to organizations hosting major events in Hawaii during the first half of 2025 that attract national and international visitors, promoting the state's unique culture and enhancing its tourism brand.

The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts offers the Community Arts Grants program, providing $10,000 to $100,000 in matching funds to eligible 501(c)3 organizations for projects in heritage preservation, community arts, arts education, and performing arts, aimed at promoting cultural awareness, resilience, and well-being in Hawaii's communities.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is accepting applications for innovative community projects that identify and solve local problems that will aid Kaua’i’s economy to generate short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification. Donor Name: Office of Economic Development State: Hawaii County: Kauai County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: OED is requesting proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii, non- profit organizations exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service or a Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor that they have previously worked with for its Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.  The intent of the grant program is to deploy innovation on-island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development. Proposals must identify a known deficiency, problem, or need within the Kaua’i community and deploy an innovative community project that will be or has been successful in other contexts. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to applicant organizations. Funding Information OED intends to award grants of $5,000-$50,000 each for different initiatives that align with RFP Project Specifications. Total funding will be no more than $460,000. Project Period The project funding period will be November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.  Eligible Projects Eligible proposals include innovative new programs, or innovative new projects that advance innovation in the program areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, sustainability, workforce development, circular economy, and tourism. Programs or projects currently funded with other County Grants will not be considered. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for award through this RFP, the proposer shall:  Be or have a sponsor that is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii and exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service and based on Kaua’i. Non-profit organization governing board members shall have served without compensation and have no material conflict of interest.  Be a Hawaii based business with a Kaua’i non-profit fiscal sponsor and a project that is based 100% on Kaua’i.  Have a current Equity Plan in place and be able to describe your equity strategy going forward. Equity is defined as the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.  Both Businesses and Non-Profits must have signed, updated bylaws or policies that describe the way business is conducted including management, fiscal policies, and procedures (including a clear statement on who is allowed to sign documents on behalf of the organization), and policies on nepotism, equity, and the management of potential conflicts of interest. In addition, such bylaws must clearly state who is authorized to sign grant applications and contract for funding documents.  Have at least one (1) year of experience with the project or in the program area being offered. The Director may grant an exception to this requirement if the proposer has demonstrated the necessary experience in the program area.  Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and provide the project described For more information, visit OED.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi for projects that enhance the community's welfare in areas such as arts, education, environment, and human services.

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and Kamehameha Schools are excited to announce the Ko‘olau Pilina Fund. Donor Name: Harold K.L. Castle Foundation State: Hawaii Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Koʻolau Pilina Fund (the fund) is to build community resilience in the Koʻolau region and follows a participatory approach to grantmaking in which a committee made up of Ko‘olau community members will vet proposals through an open, rolling application process. The committee hopes to help derisk new ideas, help to build capacity in the region and progress grassroots community efforts. Now in itʻs third year, the fund prioritizes projects specifically tailored to Ko‘olau communities on Oʻahu from Kahuku to Makapuʻu. Funding Priorities  The Pilina Fund Committee will prioritize projects that create more opportunities for: Strong families Supportive, safe, and prepared communities Interacting with ʻāina, farming, and food security in the region Improved health and wellbeing Community-based education and learning. Funding Information Request between $3,000 and $15,000. Program Requirements  The fund prioritizes projects tailored to Koʻolau communities and proposals must: Show alignment to Pilina Fund Values and Priorities; Come from or are sponsored by an organization with IRS 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status; Not duplicate program grants by the Castle Foundation. For more information, visit HKLCF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations working on community-driven projects that enhance equitable access to services and strengthen resilience in West Hawai‘i.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in East Hawai‘i that are working on community projects related to education, health care, economic sufficiency, and recreational activities.

The Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative focuses on innovative solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii. This initiative supports projects that enhance or develop affordable housing options. Grant Guidelines: Scope: Proposals from Hawaii nonprofits that are involved in capital improvement projects for affordable housing. This includes renovations, repairs, major maintenance, new construction, land acquisition, and utility modifications. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, not classified as private foundations. The organization should serve the local community in Hawaii. Alignment with the initiative's goal of supporting affordable housing nonprofits and programs is required. Application Process: Form: Applications must be completed via the electronic application form. Requirement: Proposals must align with the described initiatives for affordable housing projects. Submittal Timing/Deadlines: Availability: Applications can be submitted starting May 6. Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 1, 2024. There is only one grant cycle per year. Notification: All applicants will receive written confirmation that their submission has been received and is under review. Grant awardees will be notified by August 30, 2024. This initiative offers significant support to organizations that are making strides in addressing the critical issue of affordable housing in Hawaii through substantial and impactful projects.

This grant provides financial support to local organizations in Waipahu, Hawaii, to improve educational, cultural, health, and recreational opportunities for youth, while also addressing issues like juvenile delinquency and promoting community enrichment.

This grant provides financial support to Hawaii-based charitable organizations focused on education, health and human services, community affairs, and the arts, encouraging community engagement and volunteerism.

Capital requests will ONLY be accepted at the July deadline for consideration by the board at their September meeting. Capital requests are for tangible assets that are depreciated, for example equipment, vehicles, buildings, etc. Please see the addendum for large capital requests for more detailed information on requirements. The Foundation’s average capital grant award is ~$38,000. Grant renewed every year. 2024 Grant annual deadlines: January 5th, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st.

The Atherton Family Foundation awards grants to programs benefiting the people of Hawai‘i across various areas, including arts, culture, humanities, community development, education, environment, health, human services, spiritual development, and youth development. The Foundation prioritizes collaborative efforts aimed at systemic change and supports both program and capital requests. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadlines: January 5th, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation offers the Enhancements for Foster Children grant to improve the quality of life for foster children in Hawaii. This grant aims to provide items and services that help foster children enjoy a standard of living comparable to their peers. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations based in Hawaii, such as nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) organizations, religious entities exempt from taxation, and government units. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and cover the period from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Funds are intended for enhancement items and services for children under 18, high school students, those in therapeutic or kinship/foster/respite care, or in permanent custody. Eligible uses include extracurricular activities, hobbies, cultural events, and other quality of life improvements. Restrictions include a maximum expenditure of $500 per child, no basic living expense coverage, and administrative fees capped at 10% of the project budget. Grantees must submit a final report by January 31, 2022. Applications are submitted online through the Hawaii Community Foundation's Grants Portal and must include an organization profile, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, financial statements, board of directors list, and program information. The application deadline is Monday, September 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. HST. For further details, contact Kehau Meyer at [email protected] or (808) 566-5537, or toll-free (888) 731-3863.

The Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation is offering grants to support programs and projects that benefit the people of Maui County. The foundation is particularly interested in supporting human services, housing and health organizations, youth and educational organizations, arts and culture initiatives, environmental organizations, and historical and heritage organizations. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or apply through a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status and must be located in or have significant programs in Maui County. Grants are for a one-year term, with an average grant amount of $5,000. Capital campaign requests may be considered in some situations. The application process is online through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation's grant portal. The deadlines for 2024 are February 1 and August 1. For more information, contact the Program Officer, Kehau Meyer, at [email protected]. The application link is https://hawaiicf.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.