Drug education and prevention programs are getting a boost on Kaua‘i. Mayor Bryan Baptiste announced Saturday the availability of $400,000 in federal funding for such programs. Non-profit organizations are eligible to receive funds and are encouraged to apply, said Baptiste
Drug education and prevention programs are getting a boost on Kaua‘i.
Mayor Bryan Baptiste announced Saturday the availability of $400,000 in federal funding for such programs.
Non-profit organizations are eligible to receive funds and are encouraged to apply, said Baptiste in a prepared statement.
Through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), a request for proposals is being initiated to support projects implemented by non-profit organizations that can demonstrate effectiveness around the prevention of crystal methamphetamine use.
Eligible organizations include those with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, faith-based organizations and school complexes.
Roy Nishida, the County of Kaua‘i anti-drug coordinator, said the purpose of the funding is to reduce and prevent drug use by youth as well as at-risk adults.
“This funding should provide drug prevention and education programs for youth as well as supplement efforts where individuals and organizations have formed a partnership to implement a community prevention program,” Nishida said.
“We want organizations to fill in the gaps of current drug prevention and education efforts,” Baptiste said. “This is a great opportunity for organizations to bring forth creative and innovative ideas for drug response activities.”
Organizations which apply for funding will be asked to submit proposals that include an executive summary, program narrative, project budget and budget narrative, cover sheet and supporting documents. A panel is being set up to evaluate and score proposals.
Nishida said the strongest proposals will be those that meet all or most of the scoring criteria and provide documentation that supports the proposal.
Criteria for acceptance will include: Need; programming excellence of merit; strong organization and management; a realistic budget; measurable outcomes; strong collaboration; and sustainability. The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is the agency tasked with receiving the proposals, with a deadline of February 15 for submission. The agency will also be administering the grants, Nishida said. Applicants are to be notified by April if they were selected for funding. Those who receive funds will be asked to submit both quarterly and year-end program and financial reports.
The grant program is scheduled to be presented at public meetings:
- Lihu‘e: Monday, December 6, 1:30 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center.
- Waimea: Tuesday, December 7, 9 – 11:30 a.m., West Kaua‘i Visitor & Technology Center
- Kilauea: Tuesday, December 7, 4 – 6:30 p.m., Kilauea Neighborhood Center.
- Kapa‘a: Wednesday, December 8, 9 – 11:30 a.m., Kapa‘a Public Library
For more information contact Roy Nishida at 241-6312, or Clarysse Kami Nunokawa, Hawai‘i Community Foundation program officer, at 961-9216.
