Atherton Family Foundation Grant

The Atherton Family Foundation, a private philanthropic entity, supports nonprofit efforts that benefit the people of Hawai‘i. With a longstanding commitment to community betterment, the Foundation funds a broad array of sectors including arts, culture, and humanities; community development; education; environment; health; human services; spiritual development; and youth development. Central to its philosophy is the belief that no single organization can address the complex challenges facing Hawai‘i's communities alone, so collaborative and systems-level work is prioritized. The Foundation provides two main types of grants: program grants and capital grants. Program requests are accepted three times annually, with average awards around $13,500, while capital requests—limited to a single annual deadline in July—average approximately $41,500. Program grants can support a wide range of initiatives within the Foundation’s priority areas. Capital grants, on the other hand, are restricted to tangible, depreciable assets like buildings, vehicles, or equipment. For large capital requests exceeding $500,000, applicants must demonstrate that at least 60% of their budget has already been raised and are eligible for a maximum Foundation contribution of $200,000, typically paid over three years. Technology-related requests are eligible but must show transformative impact and require a 1:1 match; routine website or hardware upgrades are not funded. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities. Organizations not meeting this designation may apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor. However, Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations under 509(a)(3) are ineligible. Specific exclusions include Hawai‘i State Department of Education schools, public charter schools, and the University of Hawai‘i. The Foundation also does not fund conferences, festivals, lobbying, loan repayments, re-granting, or individual-directed support (except through two designated scholarship programs). Endowments and operating support are rarely funded, and the Foundation will not serve as the sole funder for any organization or program. Applications must be submitted online via the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Grants Portal. Applicants must create or update their Organization Profile annually, including submission of financial documents such as income statements, balance sheets, and board lists. The application includes four sections: Program Overview, Program Information, Budget, and Supporting Documents & Certification. Sponsored organizations must follow specific procedures, including uploading authorization documents and coordinating certification with their fiscal sponsor. All application materials must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. HST on the applicable deadline date. Applications are reviewed quarterly, aligned with four annual deadlines: January 5, April 1, July 1, and October 1. These correspond to review meetings in March, June, September, and December respectively. Applications are automatically closed in the portal after 4:00 p.m. HST on the due date. Only one grant may be awarded per organization per year, unless the organization also serves as a fiscal sponsor for a separate application. Grantees must submit a final report before reapplying and may not receive more than three consecutive years of support for the same program or organization. For questions regarding the application process or guidelines, applicants are advised to contact Elizabeth Lentz-Hill at [email protected] or call (808) 566-5543. Technical assistance is available through a support ticket system on the Hawai‘i Community Foundation website. No incomplete or late applications are accepted, and all decisions are final.

Submit complete, on-time applications; ensure final report is submitted before reapplying; use correct budget templates; only 1 grant/year unless also fiscal sponsor