Organizations Seeking Funding

HCF is seeking funding requests for the Maui Strong Fund that have clear alignment with coordinated efforts on Maui.

For funding requests up to $100,000, please see this document for more information and instructions on how to apply.

For funding requests over $100,000 or a proposal for housing build-out, please see this document for more information and instructions on how to apply.

If you are requesting funding over $100,000 or proposing a housing build-out, you’ll need to complete the Letter of Interest process through the “Open Opportunities” in the Grants Portal. Once you find the corresponding funding opportunity, you will be prompted to complete three questions. HCF will then screen your responses and notify you within a few weeks whether you can move on to the full application.

Requested fund amounts should align with the capacity of the organization to manage the grant funds (i.e., the organization has sufficient staff, accounting procedures, experience with programming, etc.).

To apply for funding, please log in or register for an account on the Grants Portal. If you need assistance, please view our Applicant User Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, How-To Videos, and/or submit a support ticket.

Update to Grant Process:

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s standard grantmaking policies and procedures includes approving all grants above $100,000 with our Special Oversight Committee. The Maui Strong Fund threshold has been updated to align to these practices and policies to ensure consistency of grantmaking for the long-term response to Maui’s fire recovery.

This means that requests for funding of more than $100,000 will be reviewed through three levels of evaluation: a staff peer review, an evaluation committee, and a Special Oversight Committee (Board equivalent) for the final funding decision. All proposals above $1 million will require HCF Board of Governors approval as well.

Eligibility and Requirements

• 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing are eligible to apply.
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to find an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to serve as fiscal sponsor, and submitted projects must be charitable in nature.
• Individuals are not eligible to apply.

HCF staff will review applications on a weekly basis. Applicants should receive a response from HCF staff within one month with a status update or decision.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email us at mauistrong@hcf-hawaii.org.