Mayor Caldwell urges nonprofits to apply for funds through the city’s Grants in Aid program

News Release from City and County of Honolulu November 10, 2014

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that qualified nonprofit organizations seeking grants available through the city’s Grants in Aid (GIA) program have from today through December 12, 2014 to submit proposals.

The Charter-mandated GIA fund administered by the Department of Community Services (DCS) was established to serve economically and/or socially disadvantaged populations, or provide services for public benefit in the areas of arts, culture, economic development, or the environment.

“Under a voter-passed initiative, the city spends a half of one percent of the general fund on grants for worthy non-profits, so I urge all non-profit organizations serving our community to apply,” said Mayor Caldwell. “The GIA commission will carefully vet and evaluate all of the grant proposals to ensure they are a sound use of taxpayer funds, and score them based on a number of predetermined factors. This process removes any political favoritism in the awarding of the funds. Last year the grants totaled over $5 million dollars and they are already helping service providers across the island.”

Information about requests for grant proposals is available online at: http://goo.gl/pPQuJb.  The documents are easiest to download with Internet Explorer and Safari.  Should you require further assistance, please contact the Division of Purchasing Help Desk at 768-5535.

All agencies must submit their sealed proposals to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Office of the Division of Purchasing by 2 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on Friday, December 12, 2014, 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, HI 96813. 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

The city is mandated by the Charter Amendment to set aside one-half of one percent of general funds for GIA for the following two categories:

Public Services

Funds in this category are used to support qualified public services and programs for 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 ailments.

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

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

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