Elsie Wilcox Foundation
The Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation (EIN 99-6002441) is administered with Bank of Hawai'i as trustee; Bank of Hawaii hosts official grant program PDFs and historical information. The foundation focuses on Hawai‘i-centered grants (education, preservation of island heritage) and uses Bank of Hawai'i Foundation Services for applications.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize Hawai‘i-based nonprofit with a program in education, cultural heritage, basic human services, or community projects seeking modest unrestricted support and local credibility.
Good Fit
- • Primary operations or programs based in Hawai‘i (especially Kaua‘i).
- • Project focus on education, island cultural heritage, food security, youth mentoring, or community services.
- • Request size in the local small-grant range (roughly a few thousand dollars).
- • Existing local presence, partnerships, or prior small grants that signal community credibility.
- • Willingness to work with Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation Services or use a fiscal sponsor if requested.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily concentrated in Hawai‘i (about 91% of dollars in 2024) with only occasional small out-of-state gifts; three states appeared in the latest year but the footprint is effectively local.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a substantial number of independent organizations each year (13–17 grants annually, 15 distinct recipients in 2024) with a mix of returning and new grantees, indicating a broad recipient set for its size.
New Applicants
Directly stated program rules and filings indicate grants are made to preselected applicants via Bank of Hawai‘i, which limits open solicitation; however, six new recipients were added in 2024 and a named grants administrator and application PDF are public, so new entrants do sometimes gain access.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
