Grant/Loan Information

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 2 is a grant program that provides funding to meat and poultry processors for new facilities and for the renovation and expansion of existing facilities. The program aims to increase meat and poultry processing capacity, promote competition, and improve supply chain resiliency. With funds starting at $250,000 and up to $10,000,000. County governments, Native American tribal governments, State governments, for profit organizations other than small businesses, City or township governments, Native American tribal organizations, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, small businesses.

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High energy prices, perhaps now more than ever, mean reducing your electricity costs could be crucial to keeping your small business or nonprofit open here in Hawaii. An EmPOWER grant could help with just that as you continue to navigate the challenges of today’s economy. All grant applications will be competitively reviewed. Submitting a grant application does not guarantee being awarded a grant. Any grant awards will be disbursed after project completion as a reimbursement once all required documentation has been submitted, verified and approved by Hawaii Energy. Eligibility: 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, small businesses with electric rate Schedule “G”, Small business with less than 5,000 sq. ft. facility, Restaurant.

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NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) Education Mini-Grant Program is a competitively-based initiative that supports coastal and ocean acidification education programs aligned with the goals of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan and the 2021-2040 NOAA Education Strategic Plan. The program prioritizes engaging diverse audiences in ocean acidification education and outreach, coordinating communication efforts with existing research, education, and outreach activities, and fostering innovative approaches for community involvement. Eligibility: United States institutions of higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, state, local, and Indian tribal governments, and Federal agencies. The program offers funds starting at $50,000 and goes up to $400,000.

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The NERRS Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Competition is a competitive program aimed at supporting projects that promote the protection and restoration of coastal habitats within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. It provides funding opportunities for initiatives that enhance ecological resilience; mitigate the impacts of climate change; and improve the overall health of coastal ecosystems. Eligibility: state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations with a demonstrated commitment to coastal habitat protection and restoration within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. With funds starting at $200,000 and up to $4,000,000.

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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.

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program is a voluntary, community-based program that provides technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements to coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on public and private lands. The Coastal Program takes an adaptive approach to designing and implementing coastal habitat protection and restoration strategies that anticipate and ameliorate the impacts of climate change and other environmental stressors. Coastal Program habitat improvement projects strive to increase coastal resiliency by improving the ability of coastal ecosystems to adapt to environmental changes and supporting natural and nature-based infrastructure projects to protect and enhance coastal habitats. Eligibility: Native American tribal organizations and governments, For-profit organizations, Nonprofits, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Independent school districts, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, State, County, City, or township governments, Small businesses,Special district governments.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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The purpose of the Landscape Scale Restoration competitive grant program is to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes. This program supports high impact projects that lead to measurable outcomes on the landscape, leverage public and private resources, and further priorities identified in a State Forest Action Plan or equivalent science-based restoration strategy. Eligibility: Private institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Special district governments, State governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, City or township governments, County governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)With funds starting at $25,000 and up to $300,000.

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The Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting environmentally sustainable preventive care measures that mitigate deterioration, prolong the useful life of collections, reduce energy consumption, and strengthen institutional resilience to disasters resulting from current and future effects of climate change or human activity. Eligibility: State governments, City or township governments, County governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Private institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education. With funds up to $350,000.

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The FY 2023 Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program Phase 1 is a government initiative aimed at addressing economic challenges in distressed areas. This program involves a competitive phase that seeks proposals and solutions to uplift these areas through various strategies such as job creation, infrastructure development, and community revitalization. Eligibility: A unit of local government; the District of Columbia; a territory of the United States; a Tribal government; political subdivisions of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities; a public entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity described in (v); an economic development district; and a coalition of any of the above entities that serve or are contained within an eligible geographic area. Some institutes of higher education will also be eligible if they fall within one of the above categories. The funds available for this program start at $250,000 and $500,000 each, with exceptions of up to $750,000 in rare circumstances.

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Clif Family Foundation Operational Support Grants are funding opportunities that provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations to help cover their day-to-day operational expenses. These grants aim to support the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits by providing funding for core activities such as staffing, infrastructure, and program delivery, enabling them to focus on their mission and deliver essential services to their communities. Eligibility: Strengthen our food system; Enhance equitable community health outcomes; and safeguard our environment and natural resources.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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Coalitions and Collaboratives Inc. (COCO) initiated the Action, Implementation, and Mitigation (AIM) Program in 2018 to enhance fire adaptation and decrease wildfire risk in the United States by supporting over 90 organizations through capacity-building activities and on-the-groundwork. The AIM grant opportunity is open to organizations involved in wildfire risk reduction, offering funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 for one-year projects that align with the larger community wildfire strategy and involve collaboration with federal partners on nearby public lands while requiring a 100% match from applicants. Eligibility: Conservation District, Regional and local collaborative efforts, Fire Safe Councils and/or Wildfire Councils, Non-profit groups that promote hazardous forest fuel reduction treatment projects in partnership with local, state or private entities, Fire departments, Tribal authorities, City or county government.

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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

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The objective of this NOFO is to encourage eligible non-Federal entities to collaborate with Reclamation on applied science projects aimed at enhancing hydro logic data access, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. The outcomes of these projects will benefit water managers by improving water supply reliability, operational flexibility, and overall water management, while also supporting nature-based solutions and addressing various water management objectives. Eligibility: A: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts; state, regional, or local authorities whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority. B: Universities, nonprofit research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federally-funded research and development centers that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. The funds available for this program are up to $400,000.

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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.

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The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program is a voluntary, incentive-based program that provides direct technical assistance and financial assistance in the form of cooperative and grant agreements to private landowners to restore and conserve fish and wildlife habitats for the benefit of federal trust resources. Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify geographic focus areas and develop habitat conservation priorities within these focus areas. Geographic focus areas define where the program directs resources to conserve habitat for federal trust species. Project selection will seek to align or support the Secretary’s priorities. It also advances the Department of the Interior’s mission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s mission, and PFW’s mission, promoting biological diversity, and based upon sound scientific biological principles. Eligibility: Nonprofits, Private institutions of higher education, City or township governments, Nonprofits, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, For-profit organizations, Independent school districts, Native American tribal governments, and organizations, State governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Individuals, Small businesses, County governments.

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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.

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The Emergent Fund supports strategies that help communities respond to rapidly changing conditions. They look to fund projects that support community development through long-term economic or social justice.

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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.

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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.

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Nonprofits, accredited schools, and government agencies can request Target Gift Card donations. The average donation is $25-$50 with a maximum of $500 per year.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.