Funding and Grant Resources

Research and Development Supplemental Funding for FY 2012-2013 - Deadline is March 16, 2012

The following R&D funding opportunities are closed.

We typically announce the next fiscal year funding opportunities in the spring of each year.

Research and Development Supplemental Funding for FY2011-2012

Notice of Availability of Targeted Economic Development Funding Awards for Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Research and Development Funding Program Forms

Frequently asked questions about grants:

What is a grant?

A grant is money or technical assistance awarded by a foundation, corporation, or government agency to a nonprofit organization, academic institution, or government agency to conduct activities for the public good.

Although technically incorrect, the term "grant writer" has become common useage to describe someone who submits grant proposals and applications. An organization submits a grant proposal when applying for a grant award. The funder is the grant maker.

How can I search for funders without having to pay for anything?

• The Department of Research and Development provides all Hawai‘i Island nonprofit community-based organizations free access to its eCivis Grants Network subscription. Download the Department's eCivis Grants Network Application for Access and fax the completed and signed to R&D at 935-1205.
• Subscribe to free e-Newletters from the Foundation Center. The Foundation Center provides valuable information free of charge through its weekly RFP Bulletin, and its Arts Funding Watch, Education Funding Watch and Health Funding Watch.
• Subscribe to Grants.gov for federal grant e-mail alerts.
• A comprehensive database of grant information is available online at no charge by the Michigan State University Library system's Grants and Related Resources website.  The site includes links to grant sources for nonprofits by subject (e.g., The Aged; Animal Welfare; Arts & Culture; etc.) Despite having to sift through information specifically geared toward Michigan residents, the site is recommended. It is well researched and cataloged, easy to use, and free.
• For corporate grants and giving programs, one of the easiest ways to find opportunities is to take a look at some of your organization's tools-of-the-trade, such as sporting equipment, supplies, etc., and search online for the corporate website. Once there, look around the site for links labeled along the lines of corporate responsibility, community service, community investment, giving guidelines, or even "about us." Many corporations have product donation programs, and some have small cash grants.  The same process may be used for corporate foundations. Corporate Foundation grants are often larger than the corporate giving programs and have stricter requirements.
• Become familiar with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation which funds many local programs. Keep the RFP Deadlines Calendar handy; refer to the Nonprofit Event Planner to see what nonprofits throughout the State are doing; find a consultant; and find some help with Nonprofit Tech Tools.
• Check this site often for new and updated information.