Grant/Loan Information

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is a private, charitable trust serving Native farmers and ranchers through strategic grantmaking in the areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and organizations with a fiscal sponsor, educational organizations, tribal governments and organizations (including Native Hawaiians), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), instrumentalities of a state or tribe. With grant funding ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.

Grant/Loan Information

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.
Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during its 2024 session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.
Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawai‘i processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program.
“The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “This reimbursement program can help to prevent the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and other pests by providing an incentive to purchase compost from certified compost operators, which are required to treat all compost for pests prior to sale.”
Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations.

Grant/Loan Information

Grant funds must be used for REPATRIATION under NAGPRA, which means the transfer of control of Native American human remains and/or cultural items to lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation includes disposition of culturally unidentifiable Native American human remains (CUI) according to 43 CFR § 10.11. Repatriation projects defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, reburial, and/or storage of NAGPRA-related human remains and/or cultural items. Eligibility: Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations, State governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Others, County governments, Special district governments, Nonprofits, City or township governments, Private institutions of higher education. With funds starting at $1000 and up to $25,000.

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Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this NOFO will help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction projects, as appropriate, to address economic challenges in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.) (Stafford Act) “as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, and of wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Eligibility: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, Others, County governments, City or township governments, Nonprofits. With funds up to $30,000,000.

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The Elevate Health Foundation Food as Medicine Grant supports initiatives that promote the integration of food and nutrition interventions in healthcare, with the aim of improving health outcomes. Eligibility requirements for the grant include nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community clinics dedicated to implementing food-based interventions within healthcare settings.

Grant/Loan Information

We created the Good Food Funding Guide listing sources of grants, loans, and equity for businesses and programs promoting sustainable food and agriculture and local economies. It is arranged alphabetically into four sections: Government Grants, Private Grants, Loans, and Equity. Refer to our article “Good Food Funding Guide” for information about choosing sources of capital for your project

Grant/Loan Information

Low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to O‘ahu businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides from December 5 to 10, 2021. Loans are available to anyone who suffered damages to their home, business, or nonprofit.

Grant/Loan Information

This Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt charitable organizations to conserve and restore ecosystems while enhancing human well-being. Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Conservation is one of their funding priorities. To apply, please submit an inquiry here.

Grant/Loan Information

HCRC Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides short-term bridge loans and term loans between $15,000-$100,000 to non-profits and mission aligned small businesses that are otherwise unable to secure financing but have an immediate need for capital. Funds can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, utilities and other operating expenses to allow the organizations to stay open.

Grant/Loan Information

Feed the Hunger Fund provides 6.5%-8.5% $5,000-$250,000 loans for anyone involved in the food industry, particularly marginalized communities with sustainable businesses.

Grant/Loan Information

Supports organizations benefiting the people of Hawaii. Grants are awarded in six major fields: arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and rehabilitation, and human services.

Grant/Loan Information

This program deploys urgent funding to support research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the nation’s food supply or agricultural systems. FFAR makes rapid grants through ROAR for research related to response, prevention or mitigation of new pests and pathogens. ROAR’s one-year funding fills urgent research gaps until traditional, longer-term funding can be secured.

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Supporting the outdoor enthusiast, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative’s mission is to provide practical support for efforts that promote safe, responsible use of OHVs, educate the public on proper recreational land use and wildlife conservation practices, and protect appropriate and sustainable access to public lands.

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Nonprofits that work in hunger, youth and education, veteran services, health and human services, and diversity and inclusion may apply for $1,000-$2,500 of funding under the Safeway Nourishing Neighbors Grant.

Grant/Loan Information

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations working in one or more of our three strategic priority areas in Hawai’i: Public Education Redesign and Enhancement (pre-K – 12th grade), Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation (for waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands), Strengthening the Communities of Windward Oahu.

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This foundation funds projects related to early childhood education, specifically for children 6th grade and below. 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for grants that directly benefit children. Previously awarded projects include the creation of an outdoor classroom, an urban wildlife curriculum summer camp, and a hands-on discovery zone. This fund does not support grants for operating expenses, capital campaigns, scholarship, or general funds. Applications are reviewed two times a year: April 1 and October 1.

Grant/Loan Information

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation donates orchards to community gardens, public schools, city/state parks, low-income neighborhoods, and hunger relief sites. The organization provides high-quality fruit trees and shrubs, equipment, on-site orchard design expertise and oversight, horticultural workshops, and aftercare training and manuals. Nonprofits, NGOs, public schools, or government entities may apply. At least 15-20 trees must be planted. Recipients must own the planting site, have a long-term lease, or work with a nonprofit/government entity that owns the planting site with a long-term usage agreement.

Grant/Loan Information

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) will begin accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) grant program on April 1, 2025, to support projects and events designed to generate positive economic impacts in Maui County. Eligibility: Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for funding opportunities that align with the County’s economic development goals.

Grant/Loan Information

New Earth Foundation seeks to fund innovative projects that enhance life on our planet and brighten the future, furthering peace. Smaller, newer 501(c)(3) organizations are the focus of grants given so that the foundation’s gift can make a more significant contribution to the work of the recipient organization. The grants given by NEF support a wide variety of projects in many fields of endeavor, including but not limited to environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and to save the planet’s ecosystems, community efforts that create models of social sustainability, educational innovations that prepare youth to become the socially responsible leaders of the future, and strategies that offer economic improvement and opportunities.

Grant/Loan Information

The Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant is designed to support small business owners by providing crucial financial assistance and strategic coaching. This initiative aims to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses effectively. Eligibility: Business Structure: Must have a registered LLC or a registered non-profit (501(c)3), Revenue: Must generate under $500,000 per year, a legal resident of one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; eighteen (18) years of age or older (19 in AL and NE).

Grant/Loan Information

Slow Money Hawaii strives to make borrowing easier by helping people who produce food to get acquainted with others who are concerned about the quality and availability of locally grown food and want to support their efforts. If you'd like to be considered for a Slow Money loan, scroll down and fill out the form below. We will contact you for additional information. We're looking for food producers who are buying locally grown ingredients and growers using sustainable and regenerative practices. Presently, Slow Money Hawaii is facilitating two kinds of loans: 1) person-to-person lending using promissory notes, and; 2) Kiva loans ($15,000 or less) or a combination of the two. To learn about partnering with Slow Money Hawaii on a Kiva loan, click here: Kiva Loans ​For more information, email us at: info@slowmoneyhawaii.com

Grant/Loan Information

GROWING JUSTICE is a pooled fund co-designed by funders, farmers, advocates, food suppliers, purchasers, and community partners from Native and non-Native communities across the country to transform food systems through EQUITABLE GOOD FOOD PROCUREMENT. The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement aims to advance its vision and values by supporting community-led efforts to improve local and regional food value chains. Eligibility: Large institutions (such as agencies and schools) and organizations, community organizations, Tribal nations,501c3 nonprofit fiscal sponsors, and small businesses. with funds starting at $50,000 to $250,000.

Grant/Loan Information

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been granting millions of dollars to rural farms. However, more recently, the government has begun offering increased amounts of financial assistance to urban farms. Going forward it is expected the USDA will continue to funnel more money toward urban farms that are situated on rooftops, in greenhouses, or in warehouses.

Among the financial resources available to urban farmers are USDA Microloans designed for urban farmers. To secure funding, you will need a business plan that describes your organization's goals, mission, business operation, market potential, and so forth.

Grant/Loan Information

Nutrien supports community initiatives that are aligned with their goals of sustainable agriculture and food solutions, environmental footprint, and diversity and inclusion. They hope to invest in places where Nutrien does business- Nutrien has a location in Hilo.

Grant/Loan Information

The ReFED COVID-19 Food Waste Solutions Fund provides $50,000 grants to quickly deliver vital funding to organizations that can rapidly scale food waste reduction and hunger relief efforts.

Grant/Loan Information

This program focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. EWD invites applications in five areas: professional development for agricultural literacy; training of undergraduate students in research and extension; fellowships for predoctoral candidates; fellowships for postdoctoral scholars; and a brand-new program for agricultural workforce training. Deadlines vary for each program area; please refer to the RFA for more details.

Grant/Loan Information

This program provides grants up to $2,500 to fund community disaster response efforts on Hawaii island. Nonprofits providing assistance with food security, among other causes, are eligible to apply.

Grant/Loan Information

The Cornell Douglas foundation aims to provide small grants to organizations that advocate for environmental health and justice, encourage stewardship of the environment, and further respect for the sustainability of its resources. This grant program provides $15,000-$50,000 grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Grant/Loan Information

This program offers up to $2,000 per month plus $500 additional per month financial relief to Oahu households facing hardship due to COVID-19. Eligible uses include rent, mortgage, certain utilities, a DHS-recognized childcare providers.

Grant/Loan Information

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area.

Grant/Loan Information

Nonprofits that focus on improving the lives of the less fortunate and directly impact and support the children of Hawaii are eligible to apply for HawaiiUSA Foundation Grants. Projects should have broad community support and address specific community needs.

Grant/Loan Information

DBEDT provides grant writing technical assistance to nonprofit organizations with projects that are readily implementable. Projects must exhibit components that incorporate community economic development benefit and show sustainability with the ability to create and maintain jobs in the community. Grants up to $5,000 are eligible for grant writing technical assistance, provided a cash match of 25% of the technical assistance request.

Grant/Loan Information

This Foundation provides grants to small community-based organizations that provide critical services to vulnerable individuals and families. Funding requests can be for operating, program, or capital grants, with the maximum funding amount being $50,000 per year over two years. Proposed projects must align with the foundation’s funding priorities of housing, health (including nutrition and food access), jobs and education.

Grant/Loan Information

This grant provides up to $15,000 of funding to develop or update crop profiles, pest management strategic plans, integrated pest management strategic plans, evaluations or other planning and evaluation documents. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis and up to $75,000 of funding is available in 2020-2021.

Grant/Loan Information

Now in its 5th year, the Kubota Hometown Proud grant program has helped fund various projects across the country, from building agricultural education centers to revitalizing community gardens, and we are proud to support initiatives that make a lasting impact on a local level. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations with a community project. With grant funding ranging from $50,000 ($25,000 cash + $25,000 equipment voucher).

Grant/Loan Information

EDA invites organizations that support technology- and innovation-centric, high-growth companies (including but not limited to startups) as they develop, demonstrate, and deploy the next generation of critical and emerging technologies to apply for Build to Scale funding. This grant program supports organizations that may be operating initiatives to unlock investment capital across a region or sector, operating programs to accelerate company growth, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, or otherwise enabling technology commercialization. Frequently, entrepreneurs working in one or a set of related industries and technologies benefit from complementary resources, facilities, and labor markets. Eligibility: nonprofit, state government.

Grant/Loan Information

The Access Fund’s Climbing Conservation Grant Program funds projects that preserve or enhance climbing access and opportunities, and conserve the climbing environment throughout the U.S. Since 1991, it has awarded over $1.5 million to local organizations, climbers, and public agencies. The program supports projects demonstrating local climber support, collaboration with land managers, and a commitment to long-term change. Eligibility: local climbing organizations, government agencies, conservation organizations, land trusts, grassroots organizations, community organizations, and individuals.

Grant/Loan Information

The Lineage Foundation for Food Grant is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting projects that address food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems. The grant supports nonprofit organizations, community groups, and initiatives working to improve access to nutritious food, enhance food education, and create positive social and environmental impacts within their communities. Eligibility requirements may vary but typically include nonprofit status, alignment with the grant's focus areas, a well-defined project proposal, and a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and collaboration.

Grant/Loan Information

A funding hub resource page to help acquire specific funding opportunities for farmers and ranchers nationwide.

Grant/Loan Information

McInerny Foundation grants are given to organizations benefiting the people of Hawaii. Program and Project grants are awarded in six major fields: arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and rehabilitation, and human services. The Mcleenary Foundation offers grants for Program support, General operating support, Major capital support, and Tuition aid to Hawai'i nonprofits.

Grant/Loan Information

Makana Aloha supports secular organizations that directly improve the Maui community in the areas of Public Education, the Arts, Healthcare, Animal Welfare and Environmental Conservation. In conservation, they support sustainable energy and agriculture alternatives that help preserve the natural integrity of Maui and its culture.

Grant/Loan Information

This program provides grants to community organizations and government agencies that strive to purchase and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened and endangered resources. This program purchases land and conservation easements and pays the debt service on state financial instruments for the protection of multiple resources including agricultural land. State agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations many apply. A 25% match is required.

Grant/Loan Information

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA. Applications must be submitted by 9/30/2020 (for the first quarter) or 12/31/2020 (for the second quarter) no later than 4:30 pm to Hawaii’s USDA Rural Development State Office.

Grant/Loan Information

Google offers up to $10,000 of in-kind advertising on Google Search every month for nonprofits to create text ads through Google for Nonprofits.

Grant/Loan Information

This foundation provides funding for programs and projects which provide significant impact within low and moderate income communities. Projects that focus on community development, human services, education, arts and culture, and other critical need community initiatives will be prioritized.

Grant/Loan Information

Costco supports 501(c)(3) organizations that support children, education, and/or health and human services. They accept funding requests throughout the year on a rolling basis. Organizations may submit one application per fiscal year.

Grant/Loan Information

CSPI is accepting applications for a variety of programs including:

Programs that strengthen the nutrition and public health impacts of SNAP
Programs that ensure healthy, equitable restaurant kids' meals and school meals for all students
Programs that extend restaurant menu disclosures to improve nutritional quality of restaurant purchases

Grant/Loan Information

The Foundation makes grants for projects that benefit the people of Hawai`i. The Foundation currently funds in the following areas: arts, culture, and humanities; community development; education; environment; health; human services; spiritual development; and youth development. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) public charity status or must apply through a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3)public charity status.

Grant/Loan Information

This Center offers special issues grants up to $5,000 for time-sensitive one-year integrated pest management projects that cannot wait until the next regular grant cycle.

Grant/Loan Information

There are two programs that applicants can receive funding from under the EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program:
1) The EDA’s Public Works program, which helps distressed communities build, design, or engineer critical infrastructure and facilities to promote economic development and regional prosperity.
2) The EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program accepts applications for projects in rural and urban areas that support construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects.