The Office of Economic Development announced the opening of applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Kaua‘i Cultural Programs and Events Grant, inviting local organizations to help enhance the island's cultural scene. Applications opened yesterday at 4 p.m. and will close on December 31 at the same time, according to a county notification. The grants, aimed to support community-based projects, are available exclusively through online submissions via the SMApply grants management system, encouraging events and activities that contribute positively to Kaua‘i's cultural richness and the experience it offers to both residents and visitors, and they are in line with the Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan which underscores the importance of these community objectives.
There is a funding pool of $140,000 up for grabs this year, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, which will be awarded based on the alignment with overall community priorities and cultural significance; this program gestures towards the profound recognition of the island’s cultural identity and the demand for sustainable tourism management. As per the county's press release, Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun expressed the critical nature of the grants saying, "Our cultural programming and community events are essential to the well-being and identity of our island," and she further added that these grants "helps uplift organizations that preserve and perpetuate our shared heritage while supporting responsible community and visitor engagement."
Grant applicants are subject to certain prerequisites outlined in the grant's Request for Proposals (RFP), including a match requirement of 10 percent cash and 10 percent in-kind contributions, along with compulsory budget documentation and administrative cost limitations, not to exceed 10 percent of the grant amount. Organizations that secure funding must also commit to quarterly reporting and adhering to Hawai‘i Compliance Express (HCE) compliance standards. In order to aid potential applicants, the Office of Economic Development will host an informational webinar detailing the nuances of the grant and the application process on Thursday, December 4 at 3 p.m.; interested parties can register for the webinar, with details provided within the RFP and on the grant's dedicated website page.
Inquiries regarding the application process and grant details can be submitted to the Office of Economic Development through their designated email address at [email protected], with a deadline for questions set on Wednesday, December 10, at 4 p.m. The county ensures that the grant application process remains accessible offering services such as auxiliary aids or interpreters for individuals requiring assistance due to disabilities or language barriers; requests can be made through contacting Therilynn Martin-Haumea at the phone number or email listed in the official notice, and early requests are advocated to secure sufficient preparation time for accommodations.
