Nonprofits encouraged to apply for grants

LIHUE — Nonprofit organizations aimed on improving economic and social mobility, and environmental sustainability in Hawaii are encouraged to apply for a grant from Hawaiian Telcom and Bell Charitable Foundation.

The nonprofits should be making an impact in the following areas: access to technology, health and well-being, economic and social mobility, and environmental sustainability.

The Bell Charitable Foundation was launched by Hawaiian Telcom’s parent company altafiber to support nonprofit organizations in areas where its companies provide service.

The grant cycles are open twice a year — in April and October. The October application period for economic and social mobility and environmental sustainability grants is Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.

Economic and social mobility projects intend to lift at-risk populations to higher stability, status and success in their economic or social standing. Environmental sustainability projects intend to diminish the harm made to the earth and nature in our communities or improve access to nature spaces.

About $500,000 in grants are available across all geographies that altafiber serves. Eligible entities are U.S.-based, tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Additional requirements and information are available online at www.bellfdn.org.

Hawaiian Telcom has given about $260,000 in grants powered by the Bell Charitable Foundation. In 2023, the foundation gave $140,000 in digital equity grants in celebration of Hawaiian Telcom’s 140-year anniversary.

For questions about the grants, contact Community Relations Manager Geraldine Ibarra at geraldine.ibarra@hawaiiantel.com.