Wetlands Restoration Grants

The Wetlands Restoration Grants are offered as part of the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division Sustainability Grants Program administered by the County of Maui. This funding opportunity is guided by the principle of Malama Aina, which emphasizes the responsible stewardship and restoration of natural ecosystems. The program is intended to support environmental initiatives that contribute to long-term ecological sustainability within Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. It reflects the county’s commitment to preserving critical habitats and enhancing resilience against environmental degradation. The primary purpose of the Wetlands Restoration Grants is to provide funding to organizations engaged in restoring and protecting wetland ecosystems. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, improving water quality, mitigating flooding, and supporting native species. This grant specifically targets projects that aim to rehabilitate degraded wetlands, enhance ecological function, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these environments. The program supports organizations whose work is directly aligned with these restoration goals within the county. For the fiscal cycle referenced, total available funding for Wetlands Restoration Grants has been indicated in the range of 800000 to 1200000 dollars. While this reflects a prior fiscal year allocation, it provides a benchmark for expected funding levels under the broader Sustainability Grants Program. Individual award amounts are not specified, and applicants are required to develop and submit detailed project budgets outlining how requested funds will be allocated. Budget categories include personnel, operations, equipment and supplies, promotion, travel, administrative costs, and other relevant expenses, each requiring justification. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for profit organizations that meet the qualifying standards established by the County of Maui. Applicants must be legally incorporated and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and maintain governance structures that prevent conflicts of interest. All applicants are required to be current on tax obligations and must adhere to non-discrimination policies and workplace compliance standards. Organizations based outside Maui County may apply but must establish a local advisory presence if delivering services within the county. The application process requires submission of a completed grant application form via email to the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division. Applicants must provide a comprehensive project description detailing the scope of work, historical context, and alignment with the County of Maui Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. Evaluation criteria are weighted across three primary areas: project description accounts for 50 percent, measurable outcomes for 25 percent, and budget justification for 25 percent. Applicants must also define measurable goals and expected outcomes across each fiscal quarter of the grant period. The application period for the fiscal year 2027 Sustainability Grants cycle is currently open, with proposals due by May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM. An informational session is scheduled for April 30, 2026 to assist applicants in understanding program requirements and expectations. The grant performance period spans from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Applicants must submit supporting documentation appropriate to their organizational structure, including financial statements, audits, bylaws, and IRS documentation where applicable. Overall, the Wetlands Restoration Grants provide targeted support for organizations working to restore and sustain wetland ecosystems within Maui County. By funding projects that improve environmental conditions and ecological resilience, the program contributes to broader sustainability goals while maintaining strong accountability through structured application, evaluation, and compliance requirements.

Focus on clear wetland restoration outcomes and measurable ecological impact; align project with Climate Action and Resiliency Plan; provide detailed and justified budget