Regenerative Tourism Program

The County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development administers the Impact Grants program as part of its broader mission to enhance economic, social, and environmental well-being across Hawaii Island. This funding opportunity, issued under Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 26RT-05, focuses specifically on the Regenerative Tourism Program for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The Department seeks to support initiatives that align with its goal of improving quality of life for residents through measurable, community-centered outcomes. The program operates under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 103D and reflects a structured, competitive procurement process. The purpose of this grant is to fund projects that advance regenerative tourism practices, emphasizing sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic benefit to local communities. Eligible projects may include initiatives that enhance visitor experiences at key locations such as Hilo and Kona piers, provide support services for visitors in distress, or implement strategies to manage carrying capacity at high-traffic destinations. The overarching objective is to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship and cultural integrity, ensuring long-term benefits for Hawaii Island residents while maintaining the island’s natural and cultural resources. Funding for this program totals 90000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 10000 to 25000 dollars. Funds may be used for a variety of project-related expenses including staffing, equipment, outreach materials, and facility costs, provided they are directly tied to the proposed activities. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including alcohol purchases, fundraising activities, travel expenses, and startup business plans. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the grant award, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on direct project impact. Additionally, a 25 percent matching funds requirement applies, which may be fulfilled through cash, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. Eligibility is restricted 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 organizational capacity, including at least one year of relevant experience, appropriate governance structures, and compliance with applicable licensing and regulatory requirements. Organizations must also maintain formal policies related to financial management and conflict of interest, and provide documentation such as bylaws, financial statements, and board information as part of the application. Applications must be submitted through the Department’s online grant portal, and only electronic submissions are accepted. A complete application includes a project abstract, detailed narrative, budget information, and required organizational documents. The narrative must address community need, project impact, implementation activities, and organizational qualifications. Evaluation occurs in multiple phases, including eligibility screening, scoring based on defined criteria, and potential discussions with top-ranked applicants. Proposals are assessed on factors such as community need, feasibility, partnerships, fiscal accountability, and alignment with program objectives. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the RFP issuance on June 10, 2026, followed by an informational webinar on June 16, 2026. Questions must be submitted by July 10, 2026, and the final application deadline is August 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time. Award notifications are expected by September 9, 2026, with contract execution occurring through the end of September. The contract period lasts approximately twelve months from execution. For additional information, applicants may contact the Department via email at chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov or by phone at 808-961-8366.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives and demonstrate measurable community impact; clearly define outcomes and provide evidence of need; maintain a realistic and well justified budget; highlight organizational capacity and partnerships