MAYOR CALDWELL ENCOURAGES QUALIFIED NON-PROFITS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

THROUGH THE CITY’S GRANTS IN AID FUND

Proposals will be accepted until June 21 for the Charter-mandated fund

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced that the City, through the Department of Community Services (DCS), is seeking proposals from qualified non-profit organizations to apply for grants through the Grants in Aid (GIA) Fund, which will serve economically and/or socially disadvantaged populations or provide services for public benefit in the areas of arts, culture, economic development, or the environment.  

“I urge qualified non-profits that truly benefit our community to apply for the grants made available through the new Grants in Aid Fund,” said Mayor Caldwell.  “This is the transparent process initiated by the City Council and approved by voters last year.  All grants will be vetted by the Department of Community Services and evaluated by the Grants in Aid Advisory Commission to ensure they are the best use of taxpayer money, that the recipient is qualified, and that there is no conflict of interest in the award.  This process gives all charities a fair shot at the grants using objective and unbiased criteria.”  

“The city is now mandated by the Charter amendment to set aside one-half of one percent of general funds for Grants in Aid, totaling about $5.5 million this coming fiscal year,” added Caldwell.  “In order to be fiscally responsible, recipients of these funds should be identified before additional recipients are awarded funding through budgetary earmarks.”  

A minimum of $250,000 will be awarded in each of the nine (9) Council Districts for the following:  

Public Services

Funds in this category shall be used to support qualified public services and programs for the target populations deemed by the city to be most vulnerable including, but not limited to, seniors, persons with disabilities, children, victims of domestic violence, homeless persons, and those suffering from the effects of substance abuse or mental health. 

Arts, Culture, Community / Economic Development, and the Environment

Funds in this category shall be used to support the sustainable improvement in the well-being and quality of life of local communities, especially low- to moderate-income areas. Projects could include, but are not limited to, the creation, development and empowerment of community based organizations, providing planning, organizational support, and technical assistance to organizations, supporting financial literacy programs and services, supporting micro-enterprise and business training, and supporting programs that promote cultural or environmental enhancement, protection, or awareness. 

The request for proposals is available at the Office of the Division of Purchasing, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Honolulu Hale,

Should you need assistance with downloading the documents, please contact the City’s Division of Purchasing Help Desk at 808-768-5535.

Submission Deadline

All agencies must submit their sealed proposals to the Office of the Division of Purchasing by 4:00 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time (HST), Friday, June 21, 2013, as evidenced by a date and time stamp from the Division of Purchasing.  The Division of Purchasing is located at Honolulu Hale, 530 South King Street, Room 115, Honolulu, Hawaii.    

Applicants must attend one of the following information sessions:  

Mandatory Information Sessions

Mission Memorial Building Hearings Room

550 South King Street– RedBrickBuilding