Grant/Loan Information

The Office of Economic Development (OED) provides grants for programs, projects, and events that promote and nurture sustainable economic development within Maui County, consistent with the community's needs and priorities. Projects must show a direct benefit to Maui's economy through activities in priority target areas, including small business promotion, technology in business, culture, arts, tourism management, film industry, environmental and renewable energy, sports, and events. Specific criteria include the overall benefit to the people of Maui County, the population served, and the impact on Maui communities. These funds are intended to be a catalyst for economic growth and capacity building of local organizations towards economic self-sufficiency, not for long-term dependence on County funding. Eligibility: for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations.

Grant/Loan Information

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.

Grant/Loan Information

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

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.

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

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.

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

HWLF has two windows of opportunity for grant applications throughout the calendar year. (October 1, 2021 and pending April 1, 2022). Grants are funded with the proceeds of the previous year’s fundraiser. Priority is given to applicants with projects that benefit women and children in Hawaii. Neighbor island applications are encouraged. (Learn more here

Grant/Loan Information

The objective of the CED Planning Grants is to stimulate new projects in underserved and under resourced communities. OCS intends to center equity in this funding opportunity, focusing these resources in persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies that have been unable to put forth a viable CED project in the past. The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide CDCs with financial assistance for administrative capacity building. The awards will be a crucial step in connecting CDCs with CED resources for social and revenue reinvestment in local communities to help spark economic growth. OCS is encouraging applications from CDCs that target urban and rural areas. Eligibility: Applicant must be a private, non-profit CDC with 501(c)(3) status; Applicant must have articles of incorporation or bylaws demonstrating that the CDC has, as a principal purpose, the planning, developing, or managing of low-income housing or community economic development activities; and The Board of Directors must have representation from each of the following: community residents, business leaders, and civic leaders. With funds starting at $75,000 and up to $150,000.

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

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

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.

Grant/Loan Information

The Cooke Foundation supports worthy endeavors in the community that the family feels will make a significant difference in the betterment and welfare of the people of Hawaii. To see the list of 2020 grantees, click here.

Grant/Loan Information

This program supports Hawaii charities through providing funding for health and human services, education, community, culture and the arts, and environmental and land stewardship. Grant decisions are made bi-monthly, and applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the event or project deadline.

Grant/Loan Information

The Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to mitigate climate change and COVID-19 pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural resources, and foster cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions, and NEH encourages applications that employ inclusive methodologies. Eligibility: Private institutions of higher education, Nonprofits, Special district governments, City or township governments, County governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), State governments. With funds up to $150,000.

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

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

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.

Grant/Loan Information

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.

Grant/Loan Information

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.

Grant/Loan Information

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 Pollination Project provides $1,000 to community-driven grassroots initiatives that empower individuals and inspire others. If the project fits their criteria, any project worldwide that moves towards a better world is eligible. Individuals, informally organized groups and organizations and formally registered or incorporated not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. The annual budget for applicants must be less than $50,000, and the total cost of the project that funding is being requested for must be less than $40,000. The group or organization must not have paid staff of any kind, and cannot do any work that promotes or advocates for animal agriculture.This program will not fund anything relating to the consumption of animal products, beekeeping, or synthetic or chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides. This program also provides non-financial support through training, peer support groups, and access to other opportunities and funders.