Film and Creative Industries Program

The County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development administers the Impact Grants program as part of its broader mission to enhance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of Hawaii Island. This specific funding opportunity, under the Film and Creative Industries Program, is one of several sector-based initiatives designed to stimulate measurable community benefits. The Department seeks to invest in projects that strengthen local industries, promote workforce development, and contribute to a balanced and sustainable quality of life for residents. The program operates within the County’s fiscal year framework and is governed by state procurement statutes, ensuring a structured and competitive proposal process. The purpose of this grant program is to support research, programs, and projects that generate positive and measurable impacts within the film and creative industries sector. Priority is given to initiatives that build workforce capacity through training opportunities, support local productions and creative events, and encourage collaboration through shared resources and facilities. The program emphasizes outcomes that contribute to economic growth, job creation, increased accessibility, and improved efficiency within the local creative economy. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to community needs and provide tangible benefits to Hawaii Island residents. Funding for this opportunity totals 90000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 10000 to 25000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for a variety of eligible expenses including advertising, equipment, facility rental, supplies, wages, and website development. However, there are strict restrictions on the use of funds, including prohibitions on alcohol purchases, fundraising activities, commercial film production, travel expenses, and startup business plans. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the total award. A mandatory 25 percent matching funds requirement applies, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions, and must be verified within 30 days of award notification. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are either incorporated in the State of Hawaii or recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of experience in the relevant program area, maintain appropriate governance structures, and operate with established fiscal and administrative policies. Organizations must also show the capacity to manage grant funds and execute the proposed project effectively. Required documentation includes organizational governance records, financial statements, tax-exempt verification, and staff qualifications. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Department’s online grant portal. The submission must include a project abstract, detailed narrative, budget information, and all required organizational documents. The narrative must address community need, project impact, activities, outcomes, and organizational qualifications. Evaluation occurs in three phases, beginning with eligibility screening, followed by a scored review based on criteria such as impact, feasibility, partnerships, and fiscal accountability, and concluding with final selection and potential discussions or presentations. Proposals must achieve a minimum score threshold to advance in the review process. The application timeline begins with the release of the request for proposals on June 10, 2026, followed by an informational webinar on June 16, 2026. Questions must be submitted by July 10, 2026, with responses provided by July 17, 2026. The final application deadline is August 10, 2026 at 430 PM Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time. Award notifications are expected by September 9, 2026, with contract execution occurring through the end of September and project implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The grant period lasts for twelve months from contract execution, and recipients are required to submit reports documenting project outcomes. Applicants may contact the Department of Research and Development for additional information via email at chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov or by phone at 808 961 8366. All official communications, updates, and addenda are posted on the Department’s Impact Grant webpage. The program is recurring annually as part of the County’s fiscal planning cycle, with future opportunities expected in subsequent fiscal years.

Focus on measurable community impact and alignment with program objectives; clearly demonstrate feasibility and partnerships; ensure strong documentation of matching funds