Hawaii Grants

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that enhance community well-being through sustainable and measurable impacts.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to oedgrants@kauai.gov by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or tmhaumea@kauai.gov by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

This funding opportunity supports organizations serving Native Hawaiians in enhancing library services and community wellness through various educational and cultural initiatives.

This program provides flexible funding to local governments to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals in their communities.

The 2025 NOAA Hawaii Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program aims to enhance environmental literacy and stewardship among K-12 students and teachers in Hawaii through hands-on learning experiences that connect them with local environmental issues, Indigenous Knowledge, and climate science.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses and nonprofits in Maui County for projects that promote economic development, including cultural programs, small business initiatives, technology advancements, and workforce development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio that are focused on improving economic and social mobility for at-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maui County that are working to improve access to healthy food for families affected by food insecurity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Puna area of Hawai‘i to foster collaboration and enhance community resilience following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Maui County that offer mental health services or support for immigrants and migrants, helping to improve community well-being and access to essential resources.

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.