Huakai Travel Grants

The Huakai Travel Grants program is administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities across the state of Hawaii through strategic investments in nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. The foundation plays a central role in advancing cultural, educational, and social outcomes by distributing charitable funds and managing targeted grant programs aligned with community priorities. This particular funding opportunity is part of the foundation’s broader Arts and Culture sector strategy, which emphasizes the preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices. The purpose of the Huakai Travel Grants is to expand access to Native Hawaiian cultural places, activities, and learning opportunities for individuals and groups who may otherwise face barriers to participation. The program prioritizes increasing engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems by supporting travel-related expenses for organizations that facilitate cultural experiences. These experiences may include visits to culturally significant sites, participation in traditional practices, or attendance at workshops and events that foster deeper understanding of Native Hawaiian heritage. The initiative is specifically designed to reach underserved populations, including those in rural or remote communities. Funding through this program supports a range of allowable expenses directly tied to travel and cultural engagement. Eligible uses include airfare, ground transportation, lodging, food, and other associated travel costs necessary for participation in approved activities. Additionally, funding may be used to support post-travel events that allow participants to share knowledge gained with their communities. The grant may fund either the expansion of an existing program or the development of a new initiative. Each organization may request up to 5000 dollars, and the total funding pool for the program is 75000 dollars. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement specified. Eligibility is limited to Hawaii-based nonprofit organizations that hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations that do not have this designation may still apply if they partner with a qualified fiscal sponsor that meets the same requirements. Schools and universities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Additional restrictions apply to organizations with overdue reporting obligations from prior Hawaii Community Foundation grants. Applicants must also comply with specific requirements if working with youth, including maintaining child protection policies and obtaining guardian consent for participation in travel activities. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Hawaii Community Foundation Grants Portal. Applicants must create or log into an account, complete an organization profile, and submit a full application that includes program details, budget information, and supporting documentation. Required application components include narrative responses describing the organization, the proposed activities, anticipated impact, and a detailed budget outlining both income and expenses. Applicants are encouraged to use the provided budget template and ensure all required fields are completed prior to submission. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. The program operates on a rolling application basis, with submissions accepted until all funds are awarded or until November 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time, whichever occurs first. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and applicants can expect notification of funding decisions within four to six weeks after submission. Funded projects must be completed within a 12-month period following receipt of the grant. Evaluation criteria emphasize the extent to which proposed activities increase access to cultural experiences, demonstrate meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledge, and provide measurable benefits to participants and the broader community. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Elizabeth Lentz-Hill via email or phone. The program reflects the Hawaii Community Foundation’s commitment to fostering cultural continuity and community well-being by removing financial and logistical barriers to participation in Native Hawaiian cultural practices. By supporting travel-based learning opportunities, the Huakai Travel Grants aim to strengthen connections between individuals and place while ensuring the vitality of Indigenous knowledge for future generations.

Prioritize demonstrating increased access for underserved participants clear cultural significance of activities and strong impact outcomes with community sharing components