The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development is requesting proposals from nonprofit organizations for its 2025-2026 Regenerative Tourism Program.
Donor Name: County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development
State: Hawaii
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Through this RFP, the Department seeks proposals that clearly demonstrate the potential to generate economic and equitable benefits to Hawaiʻi Island residents through capacities such as business income, job growth, increased accessibility, reduced expenses or reduced environmental footprint, and greater efficiency. The emphasis is on facilitating measurable, positive impact within Hawaiʻi Island communities.
Objectives
- Improve the quality of life on Hawaiʻi Island by enhancing cultural experiences and providing essential support services. By expanding visitor services at key locations with cultural offerings such as Hawaiian music and hula performances, the local economy benefits from increased tourism, enriching both residents’ and visitors’ experiences. Offer support to individuals facing adversity to ensure they receive the care and help they need to foster a compassionate and supportive community. Together, this will create a vibrant, caring environment that enhances the well-being of everyone involved.
- Enhance visitor services at the Hilo and Kona piers, expanding cultural offerings with Hawaiian music and hula performances, and manage a visitor booth to distribute information and educate visitors about the Pono Pledge. By maximizing the economic impact of cruise ship visitors, who contribute to the local economy, this objective aims to significantly benefit businesses island wide, while ensuring a memorable, culturally rich experience for visitors.
- Provide support and assistance to individuals who are away from home and facing adversity, such as crime, medical emergencies, and death. Maintain dedicated staff and volunteers who are available 24/7 to offer emotional support and practical help, demonstrating the aloha spirit in times of need.
- Create and manage a carrying capacity pilot of popular visitor hotspots to ensure that these locations can be enjoyed by future generations while maintaining the locations’ ecological and cultural significance. This objective aims to foster a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the local community and the visitors who come to experience the beauty and heritage of Hawaiʻi Island.
- Implement strategies to assess and manage carrying capacity at popular visitor hotspots on Hawaiʻi Island.
- Ensure sustainable tourism practices to preserve natural and cultural resources while enhancing visitor experiences.
Funding Information
A total of $75,000.00 is available to award grants in the range of $10,000.00 to $25,000.00.
Grant Period
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
Eligible Proposals
Eligible proposals include research, programs, or projects that advance measurable, positive impacts in the program area of Regenerative Tourism.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for an award through this RFP, the proposer shall:
- Be a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi, or a non-profit organization exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service. In the case of a non-profit organization, members of its governing board shall have served without compensation and have no material conflict of interest.
- Be licensed and accredited, in accordance with the applicable statutes, codes, or ordinances of the federal, state, and county governments.
- Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which business is conducted including management, fiscal policies and procedures, and policies on nepotism and the management of potential conflicts of interest.
- Have at least one (1) year of experience with the project or in the program area being proposed.
- Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and conduct the service.
For more information, visit County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development.
