Laurence H. Dorcy Hawaiian Foundation Grant
The Laurence H. Dorcy Hawaiian Foundation grants focus support exclusively on Hawaiian charitable organizations. Like its founder, Laurence Dorcy, the Foundation is particularly interested in supporting Hawaiian Island culture and community, affordable housing and support services for income-constrained workers and their families, equitable access to health and hospice care, employment education and training, animal protection, and U.S. military and railroad history.
General Operating Support: Grants are within the discretion of the Board of Directors, but generally are made in the range of $10,000 to $25,000 for general operating support. The Dorcy Foundation does not make multi-year commitments.
First time applicants are encouraged to contact Tammy Davis Cownie at tammy@dorcyfdn.org to introduce themselves and their organization and to learn more about Dorcy Foundation priorities and clarification of the application process.
Capital Campaign: The Board of Directors awards several capital grants each year. These gifts generally are made in the range of $50,000 to $100,000. Most capital grants are paid in full in the year they are approved. The Board is not likely to be influenced by matching grant opportunities, offers of multiple-year payments or naming rights.
All capital grant applicants should arrange a meeting with Tammy Davis Cownie to introduce the campaign and outline its budget, timeline, and dedicated funders.
Application Deadline
Grant applications must be received by January 31st of each year. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Applications may be submitted by e-mail to tammy@dorcyfdn.org or via hard copy via U.S. mail to 81 East 7th Street, Suite 125, St. Paul, MN 55101.
Application Format
We do not have a specific application form. A succinct three-to-five-page letter describing your organization and current grant request is preferred. In preparing your grant submission, please include detailed information regarding:
- the amount of the request;
- the need being addressed;
- how your organization is meeting that need;
- the broad-based categories of clientele and numbers of individuals served by your program(s);
- the geographic region covered; and
- how Dorcy Foundation grant money would make a difference to your organization and clientele.
In addition to the grant request, please be sure to include:
- your contact name and mailing address;
- your organization’s IRS tax exemption 501(c)(3) determination letter;
- your most recent 12-month financial statement including balance sheet, revenue, and expenses or Internal Revenue Service form 990; and
- information regarding your primary funding sources.
Please avoid using staples wherever possible.
Application Review Process
The Laurence H. Dorcy Hawaiian Foundation Board of Directors meets mid-March to consider grant requests. Due to limited resources, the Board is not able to fund all requests. Successful applicants will receive their grant award by April 30th. Those applicants who will not be receiving awards will receive a declination letter within this same time frame.
