Community Enrichment Grant Program

The Community Enrichment Program is a funding opportunity administered by Kilohana on behalf of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for managing tourism in Hawai‘i. The program is designed to reinvest tourism-generated revenue back into local communities by supporting projects and events that enhance cultural, social, and economic vitality. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority operates under a strategic vision focused on sustainable and regenerative tourism, aiming to strengthen relationships between residents and visitors while preserving natural and cultural resources. Kilohana, a division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, serves as the program administrator, leveraging its experience in community development and Native Hawaiian advancement to manage the grant process. The primary purpose of the Community Enrichment Program is to fund community-based initiatives that develop and promote tourism products aligned with Hawai‘i’s unique identity. Eligible projects must contribute to at least one of eight tourism niche areas: agriculture, culture, culinary, education, health and wellness, nature, sports, or voluntourism. The program emphasizes the creation of authentic experiences that are rooted in the community and are intended to benefit both residents and visitors. Projects are expected to provide economic benefits, support year-round tourism activity, and enhance visitor satisfaction through unique and culturally grounded experiences. Funding is provided in fixed award amounts of 25000 dollars per project. Each award carries specific budget requirements, including a minimum allocation of 30 percent toward marketing and a maximum of 15 percent for administrative costs. Additionally, applicants must provide a one-to-one matching contribution equal to the award amount, with at least half of the match in cash and the remainder allowable as in-kind contributions. Certain expenses are explicitly prohibited, including capital improvements, salaries, fundraising events, and equipment purchases, ensuring that funds are directed toward programmatic and community-focused activities. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government agencies. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for organizations without nonprofit designation, provided they partner with a qualifying entity. Projects must take place within the State of Hawai‘i and occur between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Applicants may submit multiple proposals for distinct projects, but a single project cannot receive funding from more than one Hawai‘i Tourism Authority program in the same year. The application process requires submission through an online portal managed by Kilohana. Applicants must provide several required documents, including a certificate of vendor compliance, a detailed budget and narrative, organizational documentation, letters of support, a W-9 form, proof of insurance, and high-resolution images. Proposals must also include detailed narratives addressing project scope, marketing plans, anticipated attendance, risk management strategies, and performance measures. Applications are evaluated based on community impact, alignment with strategic goals, project feasibility, organizational capacity, and budget accuracy. The deadline for proposal submission is May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM Hawaii Standard Time. Informational sessions are offered prior to the deadline to guide applicants through the process. Award notifications are expected between June 15 and June 30, 2026, after which selected applicants will enter into contractual agreements with Kilohana. Funded projects are subject to reporting requirements, including progress updates and final reports, and must comply with sponsorship recognition and marketing guidelines. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle tied to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s funding structure. Post-award requirements include ongoing communication with program managers, submission of deliverables tied to payment schedules, and participation in evaluation activities. Projects are monitored for both qualitative and quantitative performance, ensuring accountability and alignment with the program’s goal of fostering meaningful community enrichment through tourism.

Align proposal with HTA strategic pillars; emphasize measurable community impact; ensure budget compliance with marketing and admin caps; clearly demonstrate tourism product development