Hawaii Grants

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.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers grants up to $25,000 for collaborative rural community projects in selected states and counties, prioritizing initiatives that involve diverse community participation, demonstrate local support, and aim for positive change within 18 months.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Kaua‘i to upgrade failing cesspools to approved wastewater systems, helping to improve environmental health and sanitation.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

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.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi and Oregon focused on climate change, ecosystem protection, youth advocacy, education, or reducing childhood poverty.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program provides funding to support Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in sustaining their cultural heritage, knowledge, and museum services. Administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the program focuses on projects that build institutional capacity, preserve Indigenous languages and cultural practices, enhance collections stewardship, and strengthen professional development for museum staff. Funded projects may include educational programming, oral history documentation, conservation treatments, exhibition development, digitization initiatives, repatriation efforts, and professional training opportunities. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $3,772,000 through this program, supporting about 20 projects. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $250,000, with an average award size of $150,000. Projects can span a period of one to three years, with a start date no earlier than **July 1, 2025**. While cost share is allowed, it is not required and will not be considered in the application review process. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of proposals submitted. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. Organizations applying as Native Hawaiian-serving nonprofits must provide documentation to confirm their nonprofit status and eligibility. Museums operating within larger institutions, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they function as discrete units with separate budgets and operations. Partnerships and collaborations with other institutions are encouraged to maximize project impact. Applicants must submit a complete application through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include a project narrative, budget form, budget justification, performance measurement plan, schedule of completion, and resumes of key personnel. The project narrative must address three main sections: project justification, work plan, and intended results. Applicants must clearly articulate the project’s goals, describe activities and timelines, and explain how project outcomes will benefit the target community or collections. Supporting documents, such as letters of commitment, conservation reports, or digital product plans, may also be included as applicable. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process, with reviewers assessing alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for achieving meaningful and measurable results. For projects involving collections, reviewers will consider the anticipated improvements to their care, access, or preservation. IMLS will notify successful applicants by June 2025. Post-award requirements include regular financial and performance reporting through the IMLS grants management system, eGMS Reach. Awardees must comply with all federal regulations regarding allowable costs, reporting, and project administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to provide guidance, and informational webinars will be offered to support applicants. Additional resources, including sample applications and program information, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

The Kaua‘i Bus Pass Outreach Program, offered by the County of Kaua‘i Transportation Agency, aims to address transportation needs within the community. This grant program is designed to provide free bus passes to low-income households and individuals through eligible non-profit organizations. The program aligns with a broader mission of improving accessibility and supporting vulnerable populations by removing financial barriers to essential transportation. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are low-income households and individuals residing in Kaua‘i who face transportation challenges. By offering free bus passes, the program seeks to enhance their ability to access work, education, healthcare, and other vital services, ultimately improving their quality of life and promoting greater community inclusion. The impact goal is to create a more equitable transportation system that serves those most in need. The program's core priority is to ensure that eligible non-profit organizations effectively distribute bus passes to those who meet the low-income and transportation need criteria. This focus underscores the importance of leveraging established community networks to reach the intended recipients efficiently. The County of Kaua‘i Transportation Agency acts as the donor, highlighting its strategic commitment to local community welfare and public service. Expected outcomes include an increase in public transportation ridership among low-income individuals and households, a reduction in transportation-related barriers, and improved access to essential services. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the implicit goal is a quantifiable increase in the number of bus passes distributed and a positive impact on the daily lives of beneficiaries. The program operates on the theory of change that by providing direct transportation assistance, it can empower individuals and families to overcome economic hurdles and participate more fully in society.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering an Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This grant aims to support innovative community projects that address and resolve local challenges, thereby stimulating both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i. The program seeks to deploy innovation across various sectors on the island, aligning with OED's mission to foster economic resilience and development within the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant include not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Hawaii and exempt from federal income tax, as well as Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goals are to identify and solve known deficiencies, problems, or needs within the Kaua’i community by deploying innovative projects that have demonstrated success in other contexts. This approach seeks to drive sustainable economic progress and improve the quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that advance innovation in areas such as small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Proposals are expected to articulate a clear problem and an innovative solution. OED's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that not only generate economic growth but also promote diversification and build a more resilient local economy. The theory of change suggests that by funding proven innovative solutions, Kaua’i can effectively address its challenges and create new opportunities. The OED intends to award grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for different initiatives, with a total funding allocation not exceeding $460,000. The project funding period is set from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative programs or projects that demonstrably advance the specified program areas, leading to tangible economic benefits and community improvements. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each funded project, contributing to the overall goals of economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i.

This funding opportunity supports sustainable building projects and resilient housing designs, particularly those led by or benefiting women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

The Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Development Grant Program for FY 2024/2025 is a $1.5 million fund managed by the National Park Service, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations that serve Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native populations in preserving and advancing their culture and arts through various forms such as language, visual and performing arts, and history.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maui County, with a focus on initiatives led by women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations focused on restoring wetlands in Maui County, promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

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.

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 grant provides funding to states and territories to develop a coordinated early childhood education system that integrates various programs, including Head Start, to improve access and efficiency for families with children from birth to age five.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program offers approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects promoting sustainability. Managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), the program aims to advance critical initiatives in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development across Maui County. This aligns with the broader mission of fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. The program particularly encourages projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The overall impact goal is to enhance environmental protection, restore wetlands, promote renewable energy, encourage green building, and facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment for sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Maui County. The Green Grants program prioritizes several key areas through its distinct funding streams. These include the Environmental Protection Grant, which supports invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability (with a specific allocation for Waikapū community beautification). The Wetlands Restoration Grant focuses on organizations dedicated to wetland restoration. The Renewable Energy Grant supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant encourages sustainable building practices, with a portion designated for Living Building Challenge participants. Finally, the Equipment Purchase Grant assists in acquiring necessary equipment for all sustainability and environmental initiatives. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in environmental health, increased adoption of renewable energy, more sustainable building practices, and enhanced capacity for environmental initiatives through equipment acquisition. For instance, the Wetlands Restoration Grant aims to advance critical restoration efforts, while the Renewable Energy Grant seeks to enhance energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant promotes sustainable design and construction. Measurable results would include the number of restored wetlands, reduction in invasive species, new renewable energy installations, and the implementation of green building projects. The project period for grants is a full year, with options to align with either the Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) in 2025.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program, managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), is a significant initiative providing approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects that promote sustainability. This program aligns with the county's mission to enhance environmental protection and sustainability within Maui. The grants aim to foster a greener future for the region by supporting a diverse range of environmental projects. The program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. A particular emphasis is placed on projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The impact goals are centered around environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. This includes initiatives in areas such as invasive species management and broader environmental protection efforts, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of Maui County. Key priorities for the Green Grants include supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The program has a specific allocation for an Environmental Protection Grant, totaling $490,000 for FY25, which will fund initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, up to $10,000 is specifically allocated for Waikapū community beautification projects, highlighting a focus on local community engagement and improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results include tangible environmental improvements across Maui County, such as reduced invasive species, restored natural habitats, and enhanced conservation efforts. The program anticipates projects that will contribute to a more sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on community-led initiatives and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge. Projects are expected to run for a full year, with options for alignment to either Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) 2025, allowing for flexible project planning and execution to maximize impact.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to Hawai‘i residents for small-scale agricultural projects that improve local food production and security.