Safety Net Impact Grant Program

The Aloha United Way Safety Net Impact Funding Opportunity is a private grant program designed to strengthen the network of nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families experiencing hardship across Oahu. Aloha United Way is a community-focused philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing stability, dignity, and opportunity for all residents of Hawaii. Through its Safety Net Fund, the organization supports frontline agencies that address urgent and ongoing needs, particularly for vulnerable populations at risk of crisis or instability. The fund exists to fill gaps not fully addressed by government programs or informal support systems, ensuring that individuals do not fall further into hardship. For the 2027 to 2028 grant cycle, the program prioritizes five major impact areas: youth opportunity, mental and behavioral health, basic needs, housing stability, and ohana and family support. These areas reflect AUW’s strategic commitment to addressing root causes of instability while supporting immediate crisis intervention services. Programs funded through this opportunity are expected to directly contribute to community resilience by improving access to essential services such as food security, emergency housing, health services, and family support systems. Funding is available to eligible nonprofit partner agencies in amounts ranging from 20000 to 75000 dollars per year, for a maximum of two years. This results in a total potential award ceiling of 150000 dollars over the full grant period. Funding for the second year is not guaranteed and is contingent upon demonstrated progress toward performance measures, completion of required reporting, and the continued availability of funds. This structure emphasizes accountability and measurable outcomes, requiring grantees to track and report their program effectiveness. Applicants may apply under one of two tracks. Track A is intended for established programs that have been in operation for at least one year and can demonstrate documented outcomes and a stable service delivery model. These applicants are typically seeking funding to maintain, enhance, or expand existing services. Track B is designed for innovative programs or pilot initiatives that test new approaches, respond to emerging community needs, or target underserved populations in novel ways. This dual-track structure allows AUW to balance investment between proven interventions and new ideas with transformative potential. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are recognized as Aloha United Way Partner Agencies in good standing, that directly serve residents of Oahu, and that provide safety net services as a core function of their mission. This ensures that funding is directed toward organizations already embedded in the local service ecosystem and capable of delivering immediate and meaningful impact. The geographic restriction to Oahu reflects AUW’s localized focus and commitment to addressing needs within its service region. The application process is conducted through the AUW Grants Portal hosted on Salesforce. Organizations must ensure that appropriate staff have active accounts prior to submission. The application opens on July 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM and closes on July 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Applicants may access additional guidance through a recorded informational webinar and a detailed application guidebook. Award notifications are expected between September and October 2026, and the funding period runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. The program appears to operate on a recurring cycle, indicating future funding opportunities in subsequent years.

Ensure correct track selection and demonstrate measurable outcomes or innovation aligned with priority impact areas