The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation provides funding opportunities to support foster children and their caregivers in Hawaiʻi. With a focus on improving the lives of foster youth and creating supportive home environments, the Foundation aims to address the distinct needs of these children and the individuals and families who care for them. The funding is administered through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Grants Portal, offering three application deadlines throughout 2025.

The grant’s primary purpose is to support initiatives that enhance the well-being of foster children. This includes funding efforts that promote the recruitment, training, and retention of quality resource caregivers, maintain sibling relationships among foster youth, address specific needs of the children and caregivers, and empower foster children to participate in decision-making about their lives. Preference is given to programs that show strong potential for positive impact and sustainability.

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations located in Hawaiʻi. This includes nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) entities, religious organizations exempt from taxation, and government units. Programs must serve a population where over 50% of beneficiaries are children under the custody or placement of a Hawaiʻi state agency or their caregivers. Applications from organizations without this majority target demographic are not eligible for funding.

Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year, and commitments may extend for up to three years, pending satisfactory progress reports. The Foundation does not fund capital projects or endowments. For organizations not exclusively serving foster children and their caregivers, administrative costs are limited to 5% of the grant award. Funding requests are assessed relative to an organization’s operating budget.

Applicants must submit their proposals through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Grants Portal. The application process includes a detailed organization profile and completion of four primary tabs: Program Overview, Program Information, Budget, and Supporting Documents. Applications must include information such as the program’s goals, methodology, expected results, budget justification, and, if applicable, a plan for multi-year activities. The Project Tracking Matrix is required for measuring outcomes.

The three application deadlines for 2025 are January 15, May 15, and September 15, all due by 4:00 p.m. HST. Proposals submitted by these deadlines will be reviewed at the Foundation’s board meetings in March, July, and November respectively. For inquiries, applicants can contact Jarissa Lum at jlum@hcf-hawaii.org or (808) 566-5522. Technical support for the application system is available via the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation support ticket system.