Financial Literacy Grant Program

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is offering a local grant opportunity with $150,000 available to support financial literacy programs for Maui County residents. The funding opportunity was announced in a County press release posted May 12, 2026, and applications are open now. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 15, 2026. The opportunity is administered through the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, which supports economic development activities connected to community organizations, small businesses, and the long-term economic resilience of Maui County. The purpose of this funding is to strengthen economic resilience and opportunity by supporting programs that build practical financial skills, promote small business success, and connect residents to workforce and income growth opportunities. Eligible programs should provide accessible, real-world financial education in topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, banking access, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Programs that integrate workforce development, entrepreneurship, and support for key sectors within Maui County's kamaaina economy are strongly encouraged. The County is prioritizing programs that serve Maui County residents, especially underserved communities. Programs should offer low- or no-cost participation and should be designed with clear, measurable outcomes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate organizational readiness, strong partnerships, and the ability to deliver meaningful and lasting results. The source material does not state a minimum or maximum award amount per applicant, number of awards, performance period, indirect cost policy, or required cost share. The opportunity reflects the County's stated commitment to supporting the launch, growth, and long-term sustainability of community organizations and small businesses. The Mayor's statement emphasizes that the initiative is intended to equip individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and organizations with tools needed to succeed, sustain, and grow their impact over time, while strengthening the foundation for a locally driven and resilient economy. Applications are submitted through Submittable. Applicants must create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials. Applicants may save a draft and return later, and if submitted information changes, they must request an edit or withdraw and resubmit. Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari; Internet Explorer is not supported. Applicants should monitor the email address used for their Submittable account and safelist notification emails from Submittable. Before starting an application, applicants are directed to review the FY27 County of Maui Office of Economic Development Grant Handbook. Eligibility requirements, program guidelines, application materials, and application instructions are available through the County's Submittable portal. General program contact information is grants.oed@mauicounty.gov, phone (808) 270-7710, and physical address 2200 Main Street Suite 305, Wailuku, HI 96793. The current round is identified as Round 1, with applications due June 15, 2026, by 5 p.m. Subsequent rounds are not guaranteed; the source states that pending available funding, subsequent grant rounds will be posted on the Office of Economic Development grants page on the County of Maui website. Because later rounds depend on remaining funding and are not described as annual, quarterly, or otherwise recurring, this opportunity is treated as non-recurring based on the provided source.

Emphasize service to Maui County residents, especially underserved communities; show low- or no-cost access; define measurable outcomes; demonstrate organizational readiness and strong partnerships; connect financial literacy to workforce development, entrepreneurship, housing readiness, or small business financial management where applicable.