Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant

The Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant is administered by the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development to support the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector across Kauai. The program is designed to strengthen local food systems by investing in projects that expand farming operations, increase production capacity, and enhance long term economic viability for agricultural enterprises. The Office of Economic Development serves as the administering body and is responsible for issuing the request for proposals, evaluating submissions, and managing awarded contracts. The primary purpose of the grant is to advance agricultural production and related activities on Kauai through targeted investments. Eligible projects must directly contribute to expanding farming or ranching operations, including improvements in infrastructure, adoption of technology, enhancement of environmental practices, and increased market access. The program supports a wide range of agricultural activities such as crop production, livestock, aquaculture, floriculture, and agroforestry. Projects are expected to demonstrate clear benefits to the local economy, including job creation, increased food production, and improved sustainability practices. Funding for the program is structured to provide individual awards ranging from 15000 to 100000 dollars, with total program funding not exceeding 450000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure improvements such as irrigation systems, greenhouses, and storage facilities, as well as equipment, supplies, technical assistance, workforce development, and community engagement activities. However, funding cannot be used for unrelated expenses such as real estate purchases, general operating costs, or fundraising activities. Administrative costs are capped between 10 percent and 15 percent depending on the award size, and personnel costs may not exceed 50 percent of the requested funding. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies to all funded projects. Applicants must provide a minimum of 10 percent cash match and 10 percent in kind contributions, ensuring that grant funds do not exceed 80 percent of total project costs. Matching funds must be directly related to the project and cannot include other government grants. This requirement is intended to demonstrate applicant commitment and financial investment in the project’s success. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations operating bona fide farms or ranches, or nonprofit entities partnering with such operations within Kauai County. Applicants must meet specific criteria including residency requirements, operational experience, compliance with Hawaii business regulations, and possession of required documentation such as tax returns, operating budgets, and general excise tax licenses. Government and educational institutions are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity to manage the project and comply with reporting requirements. The application process requires submission through the SMApply online system and does not accept submissions via mail, email, or fax. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal that includes a project overview, detailed work plan, measurable goals, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as financial statements and organizational records. The program also requires applicants to describe project impacts, dependencies, sustainability plans, and alignment with county goals. Evaluation is conducted through a multi phase review process that assesses organizational capacity, project readiness, alignment with program objectives, and budget feasibility. The application timeline begins with the release of the request for proposals on July 14, 2026, followed by an informational webinar on July 22, 2026. Questions must be submitted by July 28, 2026, and final proposals are due by August 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm Hawaii Standard Time. Award notifications are expected during the week of September 7, 2026, with contract execution completed by September 30, 2026. Funded projects will run from contract execution through October 31, 2027. The program does not indicate recurring funding cycles, and applicants are encouraged to carefully follow all submission requirements and deadlines.

Ensure strong alignment with agricultural expansion goals, provide detailed and realistic budgets with supporting estimates, and demonstrate readiness with permits and planning completed