Community Support Resources
Start Your Nonprofit Journey in Hawaiʻi
Dreaming of making a difference in Hawaiʻi? Our free checklist for creating a nonprofit in Hawaiʻi guides you step-by-step through the process. From defining your mission to obtaining federal and state tax exemptions, this resource covers everything you need to launch your organization confidently and efficiently. Whether you're filing for 501(c)(3) status, drafting bylaws, or setting up ongoing compliance, this comprehensive guide ensures you're set for success.
Don't wait to make your impact! Click the button to the right to download your free copy today and take the first step toward building a thriving nonprofit in Hawaiʻi.
Discover how to start a nonprofit
organization in Hawaiʻi with our
comprehensive video explainer,
breaking down each step from
planning to official registration.
Explore essential elements and
best practices for crafting a
compelling mission statement
that resonates with your
nonprofit organization and
its stakeholders
Below this video, you'll find additional
resources to help your organization thrive.
Craft a Mission Statement That Inspires and Drives Impact
Your mission statement is the heart of your organization. Our free worksheet guides you through creating and evaluating a mission statement that’s clear, inspiring, and aligned with your values. From identifying your purpose and audience to refining your message with stakeholder feedback, this resource ensures your statement resonates with donors, partners, and your community.
Whether you’re starting fresh or revisiting your mission, this step-by-step process will help you craft a statement that not only defines your goals but also motivates action.
Download your free worksheet today and start shaping a mission statement that sets your organization apart!
Funding Opportunities
The Bank of Hawaii Foundation focuses on community development, including financial literacy, asset building, economic development, human services, education, arts and culture, and other critical community needs. They partner with organizations that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities. Click the image above for grant information.
Blue Meridian Partners is a pioneering philanthropic model that funds scalable solutions to improve economic and social mobility for young people and families in poverty. To get more grant information, simply click the image above.
The Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation supports programs and capital projects benefiting the people of Maui County, with a focus on the arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Get grant info by clicking on the image above.
The HEI Charitable Foundation supports community programs focused on environmental sustainability, resilience, economic strength, and educational excellence. They give back through grants, donations, volunteerism, scholarships, and an employee matching gift program. Interested in a grant? Click the image for more information.
The Atherton Family Foundation is one of Hawai‘i's largest private grantmaking resources, dedicated exclusively to supporting charitable activities. It continues the philanthropic legacy of Juliette M. and Frank C. Atherton and their family. To get more grant information, simply click the image above.
The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation provides grants to nonprofits supporting education, healthcare, sustainability, children and families, housing, and arts, culture, and innovation. Get grant info by clicking on the image above.
The CS Fund seeks to create an equitable democracy and achieve a just transition to regenerative economies and food systems. Deadlines will be available when RFPs are released. Interested in a grant? Click the image for more information.
The Cooke Foundation supports community endeavors that significantly improve the welfare of the people of Hawaii. Click the image above for grant information.
The First Hawaiian Bank's Foundation focuses on enhancing youth education, improving lives, building healthier communities, and enriching cultural diversity. Get grant info by clicking on the image above.
The Finance Factors Family of Companies supports the community by funding charitable organizations through the Finance Factors Foundation, focusing on education, health and human services, community and civic affairs, and culture and the arts. For grant consideration visit their website.
The Frost Family Foundation believes that impactful philanthropy is rooted in thriving, equitable relationships. Click the image above to visit their website for grant guidelines.
Hawaiʻi People’s Fund supports grassroots organizations taking direct action to reduce systemic harm and empower indigenous and marginalized communities. To get more information, simply click the image above.
IPM supports the materially poor and socially marginalized in their fight for justice and peace by providing seed funding for small, community-based projects and fostering partnerships between donors, friends, coordinators, and participants. Click the image above for grant information.
The JEM Project is a grant-making foundation supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofits in four focus areas: child welfare, animal welfare, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability. The JEM Project will invite select returning nonprofit partners to apply for grants in the spring or fall. Due to high email volume, they cannot respond to individual inquiries. Click the image above for more information.
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. For guidelines and application procedures visit their webpage.
LISC Fund Management, together with residents and partners, help forge resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America–great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Support varies according to program. To get more information, simply click the image above.
One of the pillars of Matson’s corporate culture has been a long-standing tradition of community involvement based upon a desire to improve the quality of life where we do business and where our employees live and work. Committee meetings to review requests are generally held every five to seven weeks. Go to their website for more information on grant consideration.
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) partners with underserved rural and Indigenous communities to support their vision and well-being through technical assistance, training, financial resources, and advocacy. For grant eligibility, visit their website.
The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Hawaii’s children and families by enhancing the quality and access to early education, focusing on social equality and opportunity. It also provides limited support for arts, health, and cultural projects that serve children aged 0-5. Visit their webpage to explore grant opportunities.
Seeds of Wisdom supports Elders, knowledge holders, and community partners who carry wisdom for future generations. They aim to be stronger allies by ensuring stories of resilience are told by original voices, while empowering the next generation of storytellers. Their programs focus on reciprocity, respect, responsibility, and reverence for all living beings—values essential for humanity's survival. For grant opportunities, check out their website.
Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples envisions community renewal through a responsive, respectful approach that honors each Indigenous community's uniqueness. SGF supports these communities with small grants, fiscal management, training, peer learning, and leadership development. For grant eligibility, visit their website.
Founded in 1917 by John Emory Andrus, the Surdna Foundation remains family-led and committed to serving those in need. The foundation works to dismantle barriers, fostering prosperous, sustainable communities through investments that build capacity, spark innovation, and encourage collaboration among grantees. Visit their webpage to explore grant opportunities.
The Vadon Foundation values collaborative, grantee-focused philanthropy. To minimize administrative burden, they invite interested grantees to start with an introductory email or call. If there's potential for collaboration, they'll determine the next steps together. Explore their website for grant consideration.
The Women's Fund of Hawaii supports grassroots programs that empower women and girls statewide. It raises awareness of women’s issues, promotes philanthropy, and highlights grantees. The vision is a Hawaii where every woman and girl is safe, healthy, financially secure, and empowered. Go to their website for more information on grant consideration.
The Indigenous Community Media Fund supports international Indigenous radio stations in strengthening their infrastructure and providing training for community journalists through a dynamic grants program. This initiative promotes sustainable, community-controlled media and was launched with support from the Novo Foundation Fund of the Tides Foundation. Head to their website to learn more about grant applications.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is committed to addressing the basic needs of those in poverty. Its grants support housing, health, jobs, education, and aging services, benefiting groups such as at-risk women and children, older adults, people with disabilities, and the Jewish community. To apply for a grant, click the image above.
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