The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development is requesting proposals from qualified non-profit organizations, research and educational organizations, and governmental agencies for its annual Impact Grants for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Donor Name: County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development
State: Hawaii
County: Hawaii County (HI)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/05/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Eligible proposals for Impact Grant Awards under the Business and Industry Development Program may address the following program objectives:
- Community-Based Commercial Spaces
- Goal: Develop or expand affordable shared commercial spaces for underserved entrepreneurs on Hawaiʻi Island.
- Activities: Create new or enhance existing shared retail/workspaces, incorporating learning spaces for skill-building, mentorship, and collaboration.
- Outcome: Increase access to commercial spaces, promote business growth, and foster connections among local entrepreneurs and the community.
- Cultural Business Development Program
- Goal: Establish or expand programs that empower entrepreneurs to integrate cultural values and regenerative practices into their business models.
- Activities: Offer new or enhanced workshops and training that incorporate cultural knowledge and sustainable business practices, with a focus on community well-being and ecosystem health.
- Outcome: Support businesses that are culturally rooted and sustainable, fostering economic growth while preserving traditional practices.
- Entrepreneurial Mentorship Network
- Goal: Create or grow mentorship networks for emerging entrepreneurs from underserved communities.
- Activities: Establish new mentorship programs or expand existing ones by pairing experienced business owners with new entrepreneurs for one-on-one guidance, group sessions, and networking opportunities.
- Outcome: Build capacity and confidence among new entrepreneurs, reducing barriers to success and fostering a supportive business community.
- Access to Capital and Financial Literacy Program
- Goal: Launch or expand programs to improve access to funding and financial literacy for entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers.
- Activities: Partner with financial institutions to provide new or additional grants, microloans, and workshops focused on financial literacy, grant writing, and business planning.
- Outcome: Strengthen the financial stability of small businesses by increasing access to capital and improving financial management skills.
- Sustainable Business Incubator
- Goal: Develop or scale incubators that support businesses prioritizing ecosystem health and community well-being.
- Activities: Create new incubators or expand existing ones that offer technical support, business resources, and connections to networks focused on sustainability and regenerative practices.
- Outcome: Foster businesses aligned with sustainable principles, enhancing the resilience of both the community and the environment.
- Leadership and Empowerment Initiative
- Goal: Establish or enhance leadership development programs for individuals from underrepresented communities.
- Activities: Develop new leadership workshops or expand existing programs, offering coaching and peer networks to help participants take on leadership roles in their businesses and communities.
- Outcome: Empower more entrepreneurs to become leaders, driving economic and cultural change in their communities.
Funding Information
A total of $70,000.00 is available to award grants in the range of $3,000.00 to $25,000.00.
Grant Period
12 months.
Eligible Expenses
The following list includes examples of some common expenses allowed under this RFP:
- Advertising and public relations.
- Electronic media.
- Equipment, purchase or rental.
- Facility rental.
- Postage.
- Printing, posters, signage, brochures, collateral materials.
- Products.
- Salary and wages (at prevailing rates). While salary and wages are eligible uses of grant funds, personal costs should ideally not be the primary use of grant funds. To demonstrate financial sustainability potential, projects shall not rely on County funds for critical ongoing operating expenses.
- Security.
- Shipping.
- Some consultant services.
- Supplies and materials.
- Travel.
- Website development or enhancement.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for an award through this RFP, the proposer shall:
- Be an educational institution, state of county agency, 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. The Director may grant an exception from this requirement, if, in the Director’s sole discretion, the entity can show it has the equivalent level of expertise and experience, which may include proof of project management capabilities and understanding of the program area for which the entity is applying.
- Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and conduct the service described.
- Meet all the requirements set forth in this RFP.
For more information, visit DRD.
