Ho‘ea — The Foundation awards grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations using a competitive process that aims to find the best combinations of organizations and projects which achieve the objectives of The Foundation. This page explains the two-stage process which is designed to optimize the time spent by prospective grantees and foundation staff.
Eligibility Requirements:
In order to apply for a grant, an organization must be recognized by the IRS as being described in Section 501(c)(3) and 509 (a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, and be invited by the Foundation to submit an application.
Please note that a unique aspect of our grant program is to cultivate and foster a culture of giving — of “paying it forward.” Thus, an applicant is required to prepare a proposal and outline of a “third party” project to whom they will volunteer their time and talents within three months of receiving the grant. This “third party” must also be recognized by the IRS as being described in Section 501(c)(3) and 509 (a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. While this is required, it is important to note that the grant is specifically awarded to the applicant and the applicant’s project and should not be used to fund the third party project.
Specific Fields of Interest:
Grants will be awarded to selected youth organizations which promote programs in one or more of the following areas: Arts, Academics, Athletics, Agriculture.
Geographic Focus:
While there are no specific communities that these grants are limited to, it is our belief that the greatest impact is made when we assist those communities in which we live, work, and play.
Invitation Process
1. The Foundation will accept an RFI (a request for an invitation) only during an 'open period.' At this time, we are presently in an open period. RFIs submitted during this cycle must be for grants ranging between $500 and $10,000 only.
2. RFIs will not be accepted:
• for the support of solely religious, sacramental or theological functions
• in support of political bodies or campaigns
• to individuals or foreign organizations
• for loans or the payback of debt
• for covering operating deficits
• for purposes of memorializing an individua
• if an organization has already submitted an RFI within the same calendar year.
3. To submit an RFI, please email us at hoeathefoundation@gmail.com with the following information:
• Name of Organization
• Contact Name
• Contact Email
• PhoneAddress (Street, City, State, Zip)
• Website (Optional)
• Organization Focus Area (Arts, Academics, Atheletics or Agriculture)
• Tax ID #Description of the Organization’s background and objective
• Project Name
• Approximate Amount for Grant
• Total Project Budget
• Description of Project
• “Pay it Forward” Third party Organizations Name
• “Pay it Forward” Third party Project Description
4. The Foundation receives many more requests than it can fund each grant cycle. Although many requests fall within the grant guidelines and may merit support, only a small percentage of the requests received will lead to a grant.
If your organization is selected for a grant, we will contact you via email. If your organization has submitted an RFI to the Foundation, but is not contacted, this is an indication that the Foundation does not have an interest in supporting your organization's project or program for the current grant cycle. If your organization wishes to submit another RFI for a different project, please hold off until the next calendar year.
Application Process
1. To complete an application, your organization will need to provide all of the following items, submitted to the Foundation (hoeathefoundation@gmail.com) as one complete package:
• Completed, current year application form
• Documented evidence of your organization being a private, non-profit, federal tax-exempt organization or a qualifying public entity (e.g., 501[c] or 170[b], etc.), i.e. 501c3 Tax Determination Letter
• Anticipated budget and timeline for the project
• The third party, “Pay It Forward” Organization you plan to assist
• Documented evidence of the third party “Pay it Forward” organization being a private, non-profit federal tax exempt organization or qualifying public entitye.g., 501[c] or 170[b], etc.), i.e. 501c3 Tax Determination Letter
2. Please send your organization’s completed application package to the Foundation. Upon receipt, your application will be reviewed to ensure it is complete for the Board of Trustee's review and possible approval at their next meeting. If your application package is incomplete, your organization will be notified as soon as possible.
Hoʻea — The Foundation
555 South Street #104
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
808.286.9884
hoeathefoundation@gmail.com