City now accepting Grants in Aid applications

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, October 8, 2018

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today 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 Monday, November 19. Last year more than $7.6 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 and the environment. 

Information for grant proposal requests is available online under No. GIA2020 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 Monday, November 19, 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.  

Informational Sessions

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

The informational sessions will be held at the following locations throughout O‘ahu:

• Mission Memorial Hearings Room, 550 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813 on October 16, 23, and 30 from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Kapālama Hale, 814 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817 on October 11, 17, 24, and 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Kapolei Hale, 100 Ulu‘Ohi‘a Street, Kapolei Hawai‘i 96707 on October 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Kane‘ohe District Park, 45-660 Kea‘ahala Road Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i 96744 on October 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.   

Please call 768-5858 to register for the workshops as space is limited.

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.

—PAU—