Grantseekers FAQs

1. What does Hawai‘i Community Foundation Fund?

Currently, our competitive grantmaking is defined around a variety of program areas. Some are targeted to population groups, such as children and youth; some to areas of interest, such as culture and arts, family literacy, and natural resources; and some focus on a specific geographic area, such as Kaua‘i or West Hawai‘i. The funding priorities reflect those of the many generous and community-spirited individuals, families and companies who have established funds with Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

2. What does Hawai‘i Community Foundation generally not fund?

	Endowments
	Loans
	Individuals (with the exception of the Scholarships program)
	Large capital projects (with rare exceptions)
	Funding after an event has occurred

3. Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

In most cases, only Hawai‘i organizations, either as a unit of government or one classified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) may apply.

4. How do I apply for a grant?

Read through the "For Grantseekers/Nonprofits" section to learn more about our grantmaking programs and to download Request for Proposals (RFPs). You can also email or contact our staff at 808-537-6333 or toll-free 888-731-3863 about your funding purpose. This will save you time by directing you to the right grants program and confirming that your project meets the basic criteria. Our grantmaking programs require either a full proposal or completed application form.

5. Can I apply for more than one grant program?

Yes, as long as your project meets the specified guidelines for each. Certain private foundations have different guidelines. Please click here to view the private foundation guidelines.

6. What is an RFP and where can I find it?

RFP stands for Request for Proposal. An RFP describes a grantmaking program and the information a grantseeker needs to include in a written request for funding. You can call Hawai‘i Community Foundation offices for a copy of any RFP or download a copy from our website.

7. When are requests due?

Some grantmaking programs have regularly scheduled deadlines for submission. (View RFPs Deadline Schedule) Other programs have "rolling deadlines" and are reviewed more frequently throughout the year.

8. How will I know if my request has been received?

You will receive a letter or email from us, acknowledging your submittal and advising you if your proposal is complete. The letter will also give you a record "ID" number. Keep this number, as it will help us track your request over time.

9. What happens once I submit my request?

A request is reviewed and acted on by either Foundation staff or volunteer advisory boards. The following are samples of the basic questions considered:

	Does the program meet Hawai‘i Community Foundation funding criteria or goals?
	Does the organization have the expertise and capacity to carry out the program?
	Does the program appear to be viable?
	If the program is ongoing, are there sources for future funding?

10. When will I be notified of a decision?

Typically, you will be notified within three months of a proposal deadline.

11. What will I receive from Hawai‘i Community Foundation?

You will be notified by mail whether your project is approved or not. Please contact the staff person noted on your letter if you have questions about the decision that is made.

12. Other than grants, what does Hawai‘i Community Foundation support?

Hawai‘i Community Foundation programs also include training and leadership development opportunities, some of which have competitive processes.

13. What's the relationship between Hawai‘i Community Foundation and its private foundation clients?

Please visit our Private Foundation Services page.

Please email or call us at 808-537-6333 or toll-free 888-731-3863 if you have any questions.

BACK TO TOP	Share This Page