City now accepting Grants in Aid applications

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, October 4, 2017

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced that qualified nonprofit organizations can now apply for grants available through the city’s Grants in Aid (GIA) program. GIA proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on November 16, 2017.  Last year more than $7 million in GIA were awarded to nonprofits across O‘ahu.

The City Charter-mandated GIA fund administered by the Department of Community Services (DCS) was established by a voter initiative 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. 

Information for grant proposal requests is available online under No. GIA2019 at the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Office of the Division of Purchasing website at http://bit.ly/1TzYGQt. 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 Division of Purchasing by 2 p.m. Hawai’i Standard Time on Thursday, November 16, 2017, 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, Hawai‘i 96813.  

Information Sessions

The Department of Community Services will host seven information sessions to assist nonprofits in preparing their proposals. Each Grant Proposer must attend at least one mandatory information session regarding the requirements and conditions to receive GIA funds.

The information sessions will be held on October 9, 13, 16, 23, and 31 from 10 a.m. to noon, on October 20 from noon to 3 p.m., and October 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All workshops will be held at the Mission Memorial Hearings Room, 550 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813. Please call 768-5858 to register for the workshop.

Additional Background

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

Public Services

Funds in this category must 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, people experiencing homelessness, and those suffering from the effects of substance abuse or poor mental health.

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

Funds in this category must 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.

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