Hawaii Project Resources:
Funding may be available for your project. Many local, state, and federal agencies offer funding to community organizations, neighborhood groups, homeowners, and others. Navigating the funding process is not easy. Here are some resources to get you started. When speaking with representatives from one funding source or non-profit organization, make sure to ask for other recommendations and potential funding sources. Network!
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency Clearinghouse for Environmental Finance is a searchable database for communities needing information for air, land and water infrastructure projects including funding sources, reports, websites, and training on financing mechanisms and approaches.
National Wildlife Federation’s Nature-based Solutions Funding Database is for communities interested in pursuing federal funding and/or technical assistance for nature-based solutions.
The Hawaii Invasive Species Council disburses funds annually for innovative projects addressing invasive species prevention, control, outreach, and research.
The Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation provides fiscal sponsorship for groups conducting work that is consistent with the Alliance mission and goals
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation has several grant programs primarily available to nonprofits and it assists several private foundations in delivering their grant making programs.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Hawai’i Conservation Program provides funding to strategically protect and enhance essential habitats in Hawaiʻi, from mauka to makai (from the mountain to the ocean), to reduce extinction risk and sustain resilient populations of native species.
The Community Restoration Partnership is a multi-year grant program that provides support for coastal restoration projects in Hawai’i that involve community stewardship activities and focus on durable and sustainable positive impacts on coastal and near shore marine areas.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program provides funding for projects including protection and restoration of riparian areas and beaches, watershed clean-up, education programs, and research of watershed viability.
The National Forest Foundation (NFF), Matching Awards Program (MAP) is focused on in-person community engagement and completion of stewardship activities
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Pulling Together Initiative provides grants to nonprofit organizations and government agencies interested in managing invasive and noxious plant species.
Foundation Directory Online, from the Foundation Center, lists 140,000 foundations and other donors worldwide. Some basic information is free; more requires a subscription. Get access at your local library.
NOZAsearch has a large searchable database of charitable donations. Searches for foundation are free. Individual and corporate philanthropy searches require a subscription. Get access at your local library.
Contact local banks, businesses, and community foundations. Many have money budgeted for community service.
Consider crowdfunding through social media, individual donations from members of your organization, or a special event.
Candid, a service of Foundation Center, offers in-person and online classes on finding and writing grants, a knowledge base, examples of winning proposals and other documents, and more.
The Grantsmanship Center offers training and resources to help find grants and write effective grant proposals.
Classes. Many community colleges and universities offer classes on grant writing. Check the catalogs and academic schedules for your local schools.
Books. There are many books on grant writing. Check out your local library to see what might be available.
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