OHA unveils $6.87M in grants for nonprofits serving Native Hawaiians, training in Wailuku at 5:30 p.m.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) yesterday announced the release of 10 grant solicitations totaling $6.87 million intended to strengthen Native Hawaiian education, economics, housing and health.

OHA’s grants program supports Hawaiʻi based nonprofit organizations that have projects, programs and initiatives that serve the lāhui in alignment with the agencyʻs Mana i Mauli Ola strategic plan.

OHA’s new grants initiative is titled “Ua Kā a Paʻa (Fastened and Secured as the Kōkō) with agency grants envisioned as the kōkō – or carrying net – that support nonprofits in bringing resources to beneficiaries. The program’s intent is to lower barriers for organizations to apply for OHA grants, creating a stronger application pool, and striking a greater balance between a rigorous process and an orientation that supports community organizations.

“OHA cannot accomplish its mission alone, and we are honored to partner with community nonprofits that are serving our lāhui and improving the lives of the Native Hawaiian people,” said OHA Board Chair Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey. “In a spirit of lōkahi, we have listened to the manaʻo of our partners, and we have simplified our grants process based on their feedback. While we have lowered barriers, we will continue to uphold our fiduciary responsibilities as we steward the precious resources of our beneficiaries.”

Changes to the program include new solicitation categories, one-time awards with flexible implementation terms of one to three years, fewer eligibility conditions, decreased matching funds requirements, and a streamlined application and reporting process.

The eight new solicitation categories include:

• Kumuwaiwai Naʻauao – Educational Resources;
• Ola Ke Kanaka – Physical, Spiritual, Mental & Emotional Health;
• Ola Nā Iwi – Iwi Kupuna Repatriation & Reinterment;
• Ola Ka Moʻomeheu – Culture Preservation & Perpetuation;
• Ola Ka ʻĀina – Health of Land and Water;
• Lako Ko Kauhale – ʻOhana Resource Management & Housing;
• Hoʻomohala Waiwai ʻOhana – ʻOhana Economic Stability; and
• Hoʻomohala Waiwai Kaiaulu – Community Economic Development.

Additionally, two grant solicitations are being released to support projects focused on special populations, including:

• ʻĀina Hoʻopulapula – Hawaiian Homestead communities;
• Ola Ka Lāhui – Vulnerable Populations; and
• Pohala Mai – ʻOhana Experiencing Financial Hardship (COMING SOON)

The 2024 grant solicitations will be open from Feb. 12 to March 29.

Training on the new grants application process will be held in person throughout the islands as well as online. To RSVP for a training, visit www.oha.org/grants. 

Training dates are as follows:

• Feb. 13 – Maui 
  Wailuku OHA Office from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 14 – Kauaʻi
  Līhuʻe KS Resource Center Conference Room from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 15 – Oʻahu
  Nā Lama Kūkui – Mauli Ola Boardroom from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Feb. 20 – Hilo
  Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo PCS Cafeteria from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 22 – Kona
  Hawaiʻi County Meeting Room from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Feb. 23 – Online
  Via Microsoft Teams from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Feb. 26 – Oʻahu
  Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center,
  Kaʻahaʻaina Cafe from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• February 27 – Molokaʻi
  Molokaʻi OHA Office Conference Room from 5:30-7:30 p.m.