County of Maui Office of Economic Development Grant Program

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) administers a competitive grant program designed to support projects, programs, and events that contribute to a diversified economy, strengthen community resilience, and protect local resources. As outlined in the FY27 Grants Handbook, the program serves as a funding mechanism to stimulate economic development across Maui County by investing in initiatives that align with community priorities and promote long-term sustainability. The OED emphasizes outcomes that enhance economic opportunity, support local businesses, and contribute to a resilient and vibrant community. The purpose of this grant program is to fund projects that deliver measurable economic impact within Maui County. Eligible projects may include initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, business development, tourism, workforce development, and creative industries. The program prioritizes activities that support job creation, economic diversification, and community-based growth. Applicants are expected to clearly define their project goals, demonstrate alignment with OED priorities, and show how their proposed activities will contribute to sustainable economic outcomes. Funding is provided on a reimbursable basis, meaning that grantees must incur expenses before receiving payment. The program requires detailed budgeting and documentation, with allowable costs including personnel, operations, marketing, and project-related expenses. Certain costs, such as administrative expenses, are capped, and all expenditures must be directly tied to the approved project scope. Matching funds are not explicitly required but leveraged resources and financial sustainability are strongly encouraged as part of the evaluation process. Projects must demonstrate economic self-sufficiency over time and avoid long-term dependence on County funding. Eligibility for the grant includes both nonprofit and for-profit organizations operating within Maui County, provided they are in good standing with federal and state requirements. Nonprofits must maintain compliance with IRS and state registration requirements, while for-profit entities must demonstrate proper business registration and financial accountability. Organizations may also apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor if they are unable to receive funds directly. All applicants must provide documentation such as financial statements, certificates of compliance, insurance coverage, and governing documents. The application process is conducted through the Submittable platform, where applicants must create an account and submit required forms and documentation. The application includes sections for project narrative, budget, economic impact, and organizational capacity. Applicants are encouraged to review the grant handbook before applying and may save drafts or revise submissions prior to final submission. Communication regarding the application is conducted via email, and applicants are responsible for monitoring updates from the system. Applications are evaluated by a Grants Evaluation Committee based on criteria such as project merit, economic impact, feasibility, and alignment with OED priorities. Past performance on previous grants, including compliance with reporting and invoicing requirements, may also influence funding decisions. Successful applicants must adhere to reporting requirements, including quarterly and final reports, and may be subject to site visits and audits during the grant period. The primary application deadline for Round 1 is May 15, 2026, following an extension from the original April 30 deadline. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm. Additional funding rounds may be announced depending on the availability of funds, and applicants are encouraged to monitor the County of Maui OED website for updates. The grant period aligns with the fiscal year, running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the OED via email at grants.oed@mauicounty.gov or by phone at (808) 270-7710.

Align project clearly with economic development priorities; provide measurable economic impact; ensure budget clarity and compliance; demonstrate long-term sustainability