Makahiki Grant Program

The Makahiki Grant Program is administered by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Department of ʻOiwi Resources. This local government funding initiative is part of Maui County’s broader effort to strengthen its kamaaina economy, preserve cultural heritage, and support community-based economic development. The program aligns with the County’s priorities of fostering sustainable economic growth, protecting cultural resources, and promoting community well-being. It is designed to empower local organizations and practitioners to create programming that reflects the values and traditions associated with the Makahiki season, a culturally significant period in Hawaiian tradition. The primary purpose of the Makahiki Grant Program is to support projects, events, and initiatives that celebrate Hawaiian culture while advancing community connection, stewardship, and economic opportunity. The program emphasizes the theme “Rest. Grow. Sustain.” and encourages activities that promote education, agriculture, wellness, arts, and cultural practices. Eligible projects may include festivals, workshops, agricultural programs, youth engagement activities, small business marketplaces, and community stewardship initiatives. The funding is intended to create meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with Makahiki traditions and values, including gratitude, peace, and sustainability. A total of 850000 dollars in funding is available for this grant cycle. Funds are distributed to support a wide range of eligible activities, including cultural programming, educational initiatives, and economic development efforts. Based on the FY27 Grants Handbook, funds are reimbursable, meaning that grantees must incur costs first and then request reimbursement with proper documentation. Allowable expenses include personnel, operations, marketing, travel, and other project-related costs, while unallowable costs include alcohol, prizes, and certain entertainment expenses. Administrative costs are capped at 15 percent of the total grant request, and personnel costs may not exceed 30 percent of the total award. Eligibility for the Makahiki Grant Program is broad and inclusive, covering for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, educational institutions, cultural practitioners, and small businesses. According to the handbook, applicants must be in good standing with federal and state agencies and must maintain required documentation such as financial statements, insurance, and compliance certifications. Organizations may also apply through a fiscal sponsor if they do not meet eligibility requirements independently. Projects must directly benefit Maui County and align with the program’s goals of cultural preservation, economic development, and community engagement. The application process is conducted through the Submittable platform, where applicants must create an account and submit all required materials electronically. Required components include organizational information, a detailed project description, a proposal narrative outlining goals and performance measures, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Applicants are also required to submit supporting documentation such as financial statements, IRS forms, and insurance certificates. The handbook emphasizes the importance of submitting applications at least three months prior to the intended project start date and provides detailed guidance on proposal narrative development, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements. Applications for the current cycle opened on June 10, 2026, and must be submitted by July 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The program appears to operate on an annual cycle aligned with the County’s fiscal year. Applications are reviewed by a Grants Evaluation Committee, which assesses proposals based on alignment with program goals, community impact, feasibility, and economic benefit. Award decisions are followed by contracting, and funded projects are subject to reporting requirements including quarterly reports and a final report documenting outcomes and financial expenditures. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Economic Development via email at grants.oed@mauicounty.gov or by phone at (808) 270-7710. The program office is located at 2200 Main Street, Suite 305, Wailuku, Hawaii. The Makahiki Grant Program represents a strategic investment in Maui County’s cultural and economic resilience, supporting initiatives that bring communities together while sustaining local traditions and livelihoods.

Align proposal with OED priorities such as community impact and economic development; provide clear measurable outcomes; ensure detailed and compliant budget documentation; submit early to allow review time