Spotlight State: Hawaii

Today’s Spotlight State is a real treat! We’re looking at the island paradise of Hawaii. Of course, Hawaii is actually a cluster of islands a few hours south of California, but no matter which island(s) you visit, you’re sure to be captivated by the unbelievable natural beauty that is the hallmark of the state. With lush forests and scenic sites throughout the state, Hawaii is one of the ultimate destinations for many honeymooners.

GrantWatch wants to help communities of the State of Hawaii continue to grow and flourish by providing a listing of grants and other funding for community development. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants list category. Be sure to also check out the national and international grant listings that are also available.

Fun and Interesting Facts About the State of Hawaii

Hawaii is the:

• …only state that is not geographically located in North America, completely surrounded by water, and does not have a straight line in its state boundary.
• …only U.S. state that commercially grows coffee, cocoa and vanilla beans.
• …world’s largest chain, and it has a “forbidden island” called Niihau, which has no running water or electric lights.
• …state gem is black coral, and its famous macadamia nut is the state nut, however, it’s not native to Hawaii. (“Fun Facts About Hawaii“)

Fascinating Facts About Hawaii

• Surfing, or heenalu, was invented thousands of years ago by the Polynesians who first settled Hawaii. Their boards weighed more than 150 pounds and measured up to 20 feet.
• The highest sea cliffs in the world are on Molokai.
• Because of its continuous volcanic eruptions, Hawaii is the only state in the nation to have an increasing land area.
• Historically, Hawaiians gave leis to their local aliii, or chief, as a sign of affection. Warring chiefs who wanted to make peace sat down to weave leis together.
• The second rainiest place on earth is Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai, where the average rainfall is 450 inches per year.
• Hawaii is 2,390 miles away from the nearest continent (North America) and is considered the most isolated population center on earth.
• Hawaii is the only state to honor a monarch, celebrating King Kamehameha Day on June 11th.
• In 1778, the native Hawaiian population was estimated to be nearly 1 million. By 1919, the population had declined to an astounding 22,600, due in large part to war and disease. The current population of Hawaii is over 1.3 million. (factretriever.org, “50 Interesting Facts About Hawaii“)

Unique Facts About Hawaii

• Ancient Hawaiians believed that the heavier a woman, especially a chieftess, the more beautiful she was.
• In the 1960s, astronauts trained for moon voyages by walking on Mauna Loa’s hardened lava fields, which resemble the surface of the moon.
• Day biting mosquitos first arrived in Hawaii in 1872 as stowaways aboard a merchant ship, bringing with them new diseases such as malaria and the plague.
• While most people play flutes with their mouths, ancient Hawaiians often played flutes with their nose.
• Hawaii is home to the unique “Happy Face Spider” (Theridion grallator), which bears an uncanny resemblance to a smiling face on the back of its abdomen.
• Park rangers at Hawaii National Park receive packages from tourists who have taken volcanic rocks from Kilauea. The tourists claim the rocks were bad luck from Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, volcanoes, and violence.
• Ancient Hawaiians would learn values and history through trained storytellers. Because the stories were considered sacred, listeners were not allowed to move once a story began. (factretriever.org, “50 Interesting Facts About Hawaii“)

Below is a current list of grants and other funding for communities in the State of Hawaii.

Hawaii Community and Economic Development Grants

1. Grants up to $25,000 to Hawaii nonprofits and local government agencies to strengthen rural communities. Funding focuses areas like economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education.
2. There are grants up to $85,000 to Hawaii agricultural professionals to conduct collaborative projects with qualifying businesses to further agricultural sustainability. Funding supports projects incorporating both research and educational outreach.
3. In addition, grants to Hawaii agricultural producers that collaborate with a technical advisor to advance sustainable agriculture. Funding supports projects promoting sustainable agriculture methods and operations.
4. Grants to Hawaii nonprofit and for-profit organizations to strengthen local economies. Funding is for small business promotion and business technology. Focus areas include culture, arts, tourism management, film industry, environment, sports, and events.
5. There are grants to Hawaii agricultural professionals for training to achieve agricultural sustainability. Funding supports programs to educate professionals to conduct training in agricultural sustainability systems and principles for other agricultural professionals and producers.

In-kind Support and Economic Development Grants

1. Also, grants up to $500 and in-kind support to Hawaii women entrepreneurs to enhance business or organizational development. Funding supports improvement, expansion, and strengthening of organizations and businesses impacting families, girls, and women worldwide. Requests will be from women working in any field.
2. Grants up to $30,000 to eligible Hawaii nonprofits to support farms and communities. Funding is for programs, projects, and coalitions addressing access to nutritious food while investing in farmers. Priority is for unrestricted funding requests. However, there are also grants for specific projects.
3. There is an opportunity for Hawaii health-related startup companies to participate in a business development program. The opportunity connects innovative health tech startups with the capital, mentoring, and connections needed to build and grow their businesses. This program is to be the center of health technology solutions through investments in entrepreneurship, talent, and community engagements.
4. Also, grants for Hawaii nonprofits to advance diversity in entrepreneurship/investment fields. Funding supports programs benefitting women, minorities, and other underrepresented communities. The goal is to expand the diversity of local entrepreneurship and empower a more diverse group of investors.
5. Grants up to $50,000 and in-kind support of software and related services to eligible Hawaii nonprofits for social welfare programs. Funding and technology solutions will be provided to promote resilience, foster community, and create tech-related career pathways.
6. Lastly, opportunity for Hawaii early-stage companies to participate in a business development program. Applicants will receive coaching and mentorships, deals and perks from various companies, opportunities to pitch to investors, and support after the program is completed.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you will have the interest and opportunity to come and visit Hawaii. Aloha!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.