Department of Community Services

City now accepting Grants in Aid applications

Mayor Rick Blangiardi 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 22, 2024.  Last year more than $9.6 million in GIA were awarded to 78 nonprofits across O‘ahu.

“Grants in Aid serve as a critical lifeline for our community, delivering essential resources to our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “These grants don’t just support those in need—they enrich the fabric of our entire city, driving progress in arts, culture, and essential services, creating a ripple effect of positive change. I strongly urge all eligible nonprofits to apply and continue making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our people.”

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. 

“Investing in our non-profits yields significant returns in social capital for Honolulu,” said Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky. “These organizations are pivotal in addressing community needs, supporting local art and culture, and ensuring long-term sustainability. By financially supporting them, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also building a stronger, more resilient city for our keiki.”

Interested agencies please download the Request for Grant Proposals (RGP) from the State of Hawaii’s Hawaii Awards & Notices Data System (HANDS) website at https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities.  Further information is available at https://www8.honolulu.gov/dcs/giainfo/ about the grant application process.  For further assistance, agencies may contact the Division of Purchasing Help Desk at 808-768-5535.

All agencies must submit their sealed proposals to the Division of Purchasing by 2 p.m. Hawai’i Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 2024, 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.  

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—

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