Food Security Program

The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development administers the Impact Grants program as part of its broader effort to support economic, social, and environmental well-being across Hawaiʻi Island. Under Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 26FD-04, the Food Security Program seeks to fund projects during the fiscal year period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. This initiative is one of several program areas under the County’s Impact Grants umbrella, which collectively aim to generate measurable benefits for local communities. The Food Security Program specifically focuses on strengthening food systems, improving access to locally produced food, and enhancing resilience among vulnerable populations. The purpose of this grant is to support research, programs, or projects that create measurable positive impacts within the food security sector. Projects are expected to align with the Department’s overarching goal of improving quality of life by balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities. Eligible activities include initiatives that promote collaboration and innovation in food systems, increase access to local food for low-income residents, reduce food waste, and improve disaster resilience. Additional priorities include nutrition education, farm-to-school programs, outreach for food assistance, and the development of shared community resources such as gardens or infrastructure that support subsistence food production. Funding for this program totals 90,000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars. Funds must be used for eligible project expenses directly tied to program activities, such as equipment, supplies, outreach, staffing, and educational programming. However, there are clear restrictions on spending, including prohibitions on alcohol purchases, fundraising activities, travel expenses, startup business planning, and proposal preparation costs. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the grant award, and projects are encouraged to demonstrate sustainability beyond County funding. A key requirement of this program is a 25 percent matching funds contribution, which may consist of cash, in-kind goods or services, or a combination of both. Applicants must identify the source and amount of matching contributions and provide documentation within 30 days of award notification. This requirement ensures that funded projects leverage additional resources and demonstrate financial commitment and viability. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are either incorporated in the State of Hawaiʻi or recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Applicants must meet several organizational criteria, including having at least one year of relevant experience, appropriate governance structures, trained personnel, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Organizations must also submit required documentation such as bylaws, financial statements, board lists, and proof of tax-exempt status, along with a detailed proposal including a project abstract, narrative, and budget. Applications must be submitted through the Department’s online grant portal by August 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi-Aleutian Standard Time. The application process includes preparation of a structured proposal with specific narrative components addressing community need, project impact, activities, outcomes, and organizational qualifications. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 16, 2026, and applicants may submit written questions until July 10, 2026, with responses provided by July 17, 2026. Proposals undergo a multi-phase evaluation process based on criteria such as community need, project impact, feasibility, organizational capacity, partnerships, and fiscal accountability. Award notifications are expected by September 9, 2026, followed by a contract execution period through September 30, 2026. The grant performance period lasts twelve months from contract execution. Selected grantees must comply with reporting requirements, including interim and final reports documenting outcomes and expenditures. All funded activities and results are considered public information. The program is offered annually as part of the County’s recurring Impact Grants cycle, reinforcing its role as an ongoing funding opportunity for community-driven food security initiatives.

Ensure strong alignment with food security objectives and demonstrate measurable community impact; provide clear evidence of need and realistic project timelines; include detailed budget justification and matching funds documentation