Best Neuroscience Grants in Hawaii

U.S.-based research institutions and principal investigators with fully equipped labs can apply for the Mathers Charitable Foundation Grant to support basic life-science research, including neuroscience. Hawaii neuroscience researchers may be eligible for funding, including collaborative projects with other U.S. organizations, when their work advances foundational understanding with potential to transform human health.

Early-career, tenure-track neuroscience faculty at degree-granting institutions in the U.S. or Canada, including Hawaii, can receive Alfred P. Sloan Foundation fellowships to support fundamental research. Awards of US $75,000 over two years may cover staffing, travel, lab expenses, equipment, or summer salary, with flexible use to advance the fellow’s work.

The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS), established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, offers $700,000 over five years to support early career physician scientists transitioning to independence in academic biomedical research. This highly competitive program aims to enhance research innovation and public service by fostering a diverse scientific workforce. Proposals in basic biomedical, disease-oriented, or translational research, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence or addressing climate change and human health, are encouraged.

Hospitals, universities, patient groups, and other U.S. 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), and nonprofit organizations in Hawaii can seek funding for neuroscience-related education, research, and healthcare programs. The Amgen Foundation provides U.S. healthcare donations supporting science, medicine, public education on disease states, and other charitable projects aligned with its scientific and disease-area interests.

Independent faculty investigators at U.S. nonprofit research institutions conducting neuroscience and brain disorder research can receive up to US $300,000 from the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience for multi-year projects. Grants from The McKnight Foundation help Hawaii neuroscience researchers explore biological and environmental mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including potential therapeutic interventions.

Focused on neuroscience research, this program invites early-career, independent investigators at U.S. not-for-profit research institutions to apply for McKnight Scholar Awards, which total US $225,000 over three years. Hawaii-based assistant professors studying learning and memory disorders may use funds for salaries, equipment, supplies, animal costs, and other direct research expenses.

Academic and research institutions conducting basic social psychology research, including social and affective neuroscience, can apply for support in Hawaii through the National Science Foundation. With a mission to promote the progress of science, NSF provides funding for theoretically grounded, empirically based projects that advance understanding of human social behavior and demonstrate strong broader societal impacts.

Neuroscience researchers in Hawaii seeking support for neurodegenerative disease projects can apply for the MIND Prize, which provides US $750,000 for cutting-edge brain research. The Pershing Square Foundation funds early-to-mid-career investigators pursuing innovative tools, technologies, and therapeutic approaches for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related neurological disorders.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on enhancing patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolism areas. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for funding. The program emphasizes innovative initiatives that address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes through education, advocacy, and support services. Applications are evaluated based on design, capacity, and potential impact, with a preference for programs over event-based funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving immunology-related patient care and access in Hawaii can apply for support from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Funding focuses on early intervention, disease awareness, caregiver support, workforce training, and reducing health disparities for conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related immune system diseases.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running oncology-related programs, including those in Hawaii, can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving: Oncology funding to improve patient access, education, and support services. Grants may benefit neuroscience-focused groups that address cancer-related caregiver support, health disparities, or patient empowerment within the listed oncology disease areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawaii running neuroscience and mental health programs can use these grants to improve access to care, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline health workforces. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine support initiatives in Alzheimer’s, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, crisis intervention, stigma reduction, and related recovery-focused or early intervention efforts across the U.S.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running neuroscience programs, including those serving Hawaii, can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving support to improve patient access, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline mental health workforces. Funding may back recovery-focused, early intervention, crisis response, anti-stigma, and criminal justice–related initiatives for Alzheimer’s, depression, schizophrenia, and related conditions.

Early-career neuroscience researchers at U.S. medical schools, research institutes, or academic hospitals, including those in Hawaii, can apply for the Warren Alpert Foundation’s Distinguished Scholars Award to support basic or clinical neuroscience research. Candidates must hold an MD or PhD, be 3–6 years into postdoctoral training, and be formally nominated by institutional leadership.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing brain health through neuroscience, mental health, or neurological disorder programs in Hawaii can seek charitable donations to support their work. Focused on brain health innovation and community impact, Lundbeck US Charitable Fund invites projects serving at-risk populations, including military and veteran communities, and broader brain disease education and support efforts.

Grants from Lundbeck US Charitable Fund help Hawaii organizations host neuroscience and brain health education or awareness events. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit entities may receive sponsorships for walks, community education, or conferences that address neurological or psychiatric disorders, rare brain diseases, or related mental health needs, with sponsor benefits provided back to Lundbeck.