Best Grants for Youth Programs in Hawaii

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation offers grants for art and music education, primarily focused on community involvement in Santa Barbara and Hawaii. Recognized 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding that ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 for specific programs or general operating expenses. The foundation seeks innovative projects that engage youth and provide environmental or community benefits, currently emphasizing sustainable local food systems. Applications are by invitation only.

The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that foster community involvement through creative, solution-based approaches to environmental challenges. Founded by musician Jack Johnson, the foundation focuses on enhancing youth engagement in projects that yield measurable benefits for the environment. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the foundation prioritizes local initiatives and innovative nonprofits, particularly in California, Hawaii, and Australia.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity aims to support organizations in Hawaii that implement initiatives designed to prevent families and young people from entering the foster care system. By focusing on family-strengthening strategies, the program seeks to address key risk factors identified by the CDC and Family First Prevention Services Act, ensuring safer children and thriving families in the community.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. By focusing on governance, strategic relationships, and staff training, this grant supports projects that strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that directly benefit foster children, ensuring their critical needs are met effectively.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation provides grants to support transitioning foster youth in Hawaii. This initiative, aligned with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, aims to enhance youth outcomes in areas such as education, employment, and housing. Grant proposals should focus on engaging youth and fostering supportive relationships. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations serving current or former foster youth aged 14-24. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact on youth development.

The Frederic Duclos Barstow Foundation for American Samoans Grant aims to enhance education for the youth of American Samoa. It supports diverse initiatives, including assistance to schools, cultural education centers, and programs promoting health and arts. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations in American Samoa and educational institutions in Hawaii. The foundation specifically focuses on projects benefiting youth, fostering their growth and opportunities within their community.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Hawaii

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation is dedicated to strengthening Windward O‘ahu communities by investing in their rich cultural heritage, youth, and natural resources. The foundation aims to enhance educational outcomes for local youth, ensuring they graduate high school with essential skills and support their future success in STEM fields. By fostering collaboration and innovation among organizations, the foundation seeks to build sustainable capacity within the region, ultimately contributing to the vitality and resilience of its communities.

The Lithia 4Kids Program, initiated by Lithia Motors, aims to enhance youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Since 1946, Lithia has prioritized community enrichment, focusing on supporting 501(c)3 certified nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. With over 200 locations nationwide, Lithia empowers its employees to engage meaningfully in local initiatives, fostering confident youth ready to face future challenges. Volunteering is a core value, creating a collaborative environment for positive impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Pro Bowl Community Grant, established by the NFL Foundation, aims to support Hawaiian nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth services beyond the Pro Bowl game. This grant reflects the NFL's commitment to community well-being, providing crucial funding for educational programs, mentorship, health initiatives, and leadership empowerment. By fostering positive youth development, the NFL Foundation continues its legacy of philanthropy while ensuring the future of football in Hawaii remains strong and vibrant.

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation Grant supports programs and capital projects primarily benefiting the people of Hawaii. Starting in 2025, applications will be accepted for six focus areas, including education and healthcare. Grants range from $3,000 to $100,000, with a preference for projects that have additional funding sources. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status operating in Hawaii. The foundation does not fund projects outside Hawaii or general operating support.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation, established in 1980, focuses on enhancing the lives of Hawaiians through community-focused grants. The foundation supports youth programs, education initiatives, and projects that promote Hawaiian health and culture. Preference is given to organizations based in West O‘ahu. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, with funding typically not exceeding one year. Notably, the foundation does not fund individuals, endowments, or religious programs.

The Strong Foundation Grant offers funding for youth-oriented programs and organizations in Hawaii, with an emphasis on major capital needs. Organizations can apply for one grant every three years, and must secure sponsorship from a Strong Foundation trustee to submit a request. This ensures that the trustee is knowledgeable about the charity's mission and can advocate on its behalf during the foundation's annual meeting.

The Strong Foundation Grant provides support for youth-oriented programs in Hawaii. Organizations can apply for a grant every three years, with a maximum of one grant per organization. It is essential to have a trustee sponsor from the Strong Foundation to support the application, ensuring that the charity's needs are well understood. Grants are focused on capital needs and are designed to make a significant impact in the community.

The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation offers grants targeted at non-profit organizations in Northern California and Hawaii. With larger grants ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 in the Spring and smaller grants from $10,000 to $40,000 in the Fall, the foundation focuses on supporting community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and align with the foundation's priorities, which include environmental conservation, youth development, maternal health, and healthy aging.

The GIFT Foundation of Hawaii, established in 2003, supports charitable organizations across Hawaii by empowering young professionals to engage in philanthropy. Through an annual charity event, the foundation grants funds to selected local projects that focus on youth education, startup initiatives, and sustainable community impacts. They prioritize proposals demonstrating leadership and financial viability, ensuring a lasting benefit to the Hawaiian community. The foundation aims to inspire and motivate young adults to contribute to meaningful causes.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.