Grants of up to $25,000 to Hawaii nonprofit organizations and government agencies to benefit underserved children and youth in the state. Applicants must request access to the application system in advance of applying. Funding is intended for programs in the areas of mental health support, expanded access to activities, relationship skills, and mentorship.

The focus of this program is to build resilience for Hawai‘i’s youth. Proposals should align with one or more of the following priority areas to engage youth at risk for ACEs ages 6 – 20:

• Connect youth to caring adults and activities – Provide mentorship opportunities during expanded learning sessions (after school, intersession, and summertime). Provide a safe place where youth can positively interact with other youth and adults to build confidence and practice leadership skills. Preferred mentorship target population is youth in middle school, grades 6-8.
• Teach healthy relationship skills – Teach social emotional learning skills including how to handle conflict(s), negative feelings, and pressure from peers. Teach skills for developing healthy, non-violent dating and peer relationships.
• Provide mental health support – Including innovative engagement of health professionals including, but not limited to, hiring mental health staff to support programs.
• Expand access to programs for youth in communities with limited activities available.