Hawaii Women's Legal Foundation Grants

The Hawaii Women's Legal Foundation (HWLF) has been supporting the rights and welfare of women and children in Hawaii for over 30 years. They provide grants to local nonprofits that enhance access to legal systems, health services, and educational opportunities. With priority given to projects benefiting women and children, HWLF awards micro-grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. The foundation considers grant applications twice a year, focusing on initiatives that promote safety and independence in the community.

Thanks to community supporters and business leaders, over the last 30 years, HWLF has provided grants to numerous local nonprofits and organizations that are aligned with HWLF’s mission to support the rights of and enhance the welfare of women and children across the State.
Over the years, HWLF has grown its endowment through its fundraising activities and events while at the same time distributing funds to worthy Hawai‘i organizations who meet its mission. The grants fund a variety of local efforts, including programs that provide women and children access to the legal system, health services, and educational opportunities.
HWLF has two windows of opportunity for grant applications throughout the calendar year. Grants are funded with the proceeds of the previous year’s fundraiser. Priority is given to applicants with projects that benefit women and children in Hawaii. Neighbor island applications are encouraged.
In general, grants are considered in May and November. Dates can vary.
HWLF typically awards “micro” grants in amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. HWLF prefers not to award funds for operational expenses, and instead prefers to make awards on a project-by-project basis or as a means to “jump-start” an organization’s funding sources.”
Criteria
HWLF’s primary criteria in considering funding applications include:
improving women and children’s access to the legal system; reducing child abuse; reducing domestic violence; reducing sexual abuse;  increasing financial independence; and  improving women and children’s health, education and welfare.