The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation is a private foundation based in the state of Hawaii. It supports tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that operate exclusively within the state. The Foundation has a long-standing history of philanthropy aimed at improving the quality of life for Hawaii residents. Its areas of interest reflect this commitment, focusing on community well-being and development through funding programs that impact education, youth and families, healthcare, housing, sustainability, and the arts.
Beginning in 2025, the Foundation will structure its grantmaking calendar into two submission windows each year, aligning with its six focus areas. Applications for projects related to education, children, youth and families, and arts, culture, and innovation will be accepted in January. In July, the Foundation will accept applications for projects in healthcare, housing, and sustainability. These distinct submission windows align with the Grant Committee’s biannual meeting schedule in March and September, ensuring that submitted proposals are reviewed in a timely and organized manner.
Applications must be submitted by January 31 at 4 p.m. HST for the March review cycle, and by July 31 at 4 p.m. HST for the September review. All applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s grant management portal. Required information includes a detailed history of the organization, a description of the project, funding amount requested, goals and timeline, current program status, and previous grant history with the Foundation. Applicants must also include their annual budget, most recent audited financial statements, IRS determination letter, and a full breakdown of all project funding (received, committed, and requested).
The Foundation will consider requests for both programmatic and capital funding. However, it will not consider requests for projects outside Hawaii, those using borrowed matching funds, requests from individuals or political organizations, ordinary government services, commercial development, endowments, or recently funded organizations. Other exclusions include conferences, seminars, publications, and annual fundraising events.
To qualify, applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and operate within the state of Hawaii. The Foundation requires a statement affirming the organization’s exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) and its continued position as a charitable organization. Applications must also provide contact information for a primary representative, including name, phone number, email, and mailing address for the organization.
There is no rolling deadline; applications are accepted only during the designated months, and the Foundation does not publicly list award ceilings, floors, or total available funding. The recurring nature of the program, however, means organizations can plan to reapply annually within the appropriate cycle based on their focus area.
