Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation’s Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs funding opportunity supports services that prevent entry into the foster care system by strengthening at-risk families in Hawai‘i. Rooted in a long-standing commitment to support youth and young adults in the foster care system, the Geist Foundation has historically funded initiatives that assist in transitioning out of care, enhance services for foster youth and caregivers, and build capacity among foster care service providers. Since 2023, the Foundation expanded its scope to prevention services aligned with the CDC’s risk mitigation strategies and the Family First Prevention Services Act, acknowledging that strong families are fundamental to child safety. This funding initiative focuses on prevention programs aimed at reducing the number of children entering foster care through strategic community, family, and individual support. Successful proposals must demonstrate alignment with at least two of the following priorities: enhancing protective factors against child abuse and neglect, mitigating risk factors at various levels, supporting families facing housing instability (especially those with children aged 0–5), offering services to parenting youth in foster care, delivering structured family-strengthening programs for vulnerable populations, and providing advocacy or resource navigation services for at-risk families. Programs must operate within Hawai‘i and serve its residents. Eligible applicants include Hawai‘i-based tax-exempt entities such as nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, and units of government, all with proven experience in administering grants and implementing family-focused programming. At least half of the served population must include families with children ages 0–5. Collaboration with other providers working with target populations is required, emphasizing a collective impact approach. Program proposals should reflect realistic, impact-oriented plans backed by data and prior outcomes. Budgets must be well-reasoned and appropriate for the scope of work, with administrative costs capped at 15%. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually and may be awarded for one or two years. Second-year funding is contingent on satisfactory progress reports. Capital campaigns and endowments are ineligible for funding. Proposals are evaluated for program integrity, implementation feasibility, potential for community benefit, and resource leverage. Applications are submitted through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s SmartSimple Grants Portal. Organizations must create or update their certified profile, including financials, board lists, and service details, before submission. The application process includes detailed questions about the organization, program design, intended outcomes, and funding plan. Applicants must complete four tabs in the online form and may upload supplemental documents, including a Project Tracking Matrix. Fiscal sponsors must submit a board resolution and sponsorship agreement and may not submit the application on behalf of the sponsored entity. The sponsored organization is responsible for application submission and compliance. Submission deadlines are January 15, May 15, and September 15, 2025, each due by 4:00 p.m. HST. Applications received by each deadline are reviewed at the subsequent Board of Trustees meeting in March, July, and November, respectively. Applicants may direct questions to Jarissa Lum at jlum@hcf-hawaii.org or (808) 566-5522. Technical support is available via support tickets on the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation website.

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