LIHU‘E — The application period for the county Office of Economic Development Nonprofit Recovery Grant Program will open next week.
The grant program is to geared toward 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations on Kaua‘i that experienced an economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible nonprofit organizations can receive grants of up to $15,000.
Applications will be accepted starting Tuesday, Oct. 5, through the Amplifund Grant Application System. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 28, at 4:30 p.m.
OED’s Nonprofit Recovery Grant Program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act with funds that have been allocated to the county for COVID-19 response, relief and reinvestment.
Grant funds can be used for working capital to cover the day-to-day operating expenses of the nonprofit, such as rent or lease payments, mortgage payments, payroll and benefit costs, and utility expenses not already covered by other grant funding.
“We value the work of our nonprofit partners who continue to serve all parts of our community in a multitude of ways,” OED Director Nalani Brun said. “We are proud to support these organizations which are still struggling to recover through the pandemic.”
OED officials will host a live informational webinar on the program Thursday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. The webinar will include an overview of the grant program, information about the application process, and a question-and-answer session. To register for the webinar, visit the Kaua‘i Forward website at kauaiforward.com/non-profit-recovery-grant. A recording of the webinar will also be posted on the Kaua‘i Forward website after the meeting.
“The County of Kaua‘i has committed to supporting an economic-recovery plan that addresses long-standing issues of equity, and we continue to advocate for fair treatment of all individuals,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami.
“This grant program is another opportunity to put our words into action, ensuring that an equitable process is implemented and will be perpetuated through our grantees and their important work in our community,” Kawakami said.
The U.S. Treasury advises jurisdictions to develop an equity strategy, use ARPA funds to prioritize economic and racial equity as a goal, name specific targets intended to produce meaningful equity results at scale, and articulate the strategies to achieve those targets.
As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to reflect on the intention of their work and who they are supporting, and to identify how they can incorporate more-equitable processes within their organization. Additionally, data will be collected to gain a broader sense of who is involved in the work of the nonprofit organizations and who is impacted by those works.
For more information about the program and to view the complete request for proposals document, visit kauaiforward.com/non-profit-recovery-grant.
Anyone needing an auxiliary aid or service or other accommodation due to a disability should contact Therilyn Martin Haumea at 808-241-4299 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill them. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille and electronic copy.
