Maui United Way’s 2026-27 Kahua Grants Cohort welcomes applicants
Maui United Way is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Kahua Grants Cohort, a nonprofit capacity-building program designed to help small and mid-size organizations strengthen fundraising, operations and long-term impact. Applications opened today through Sept. 4 with cohort selections announced on Sept. 14.
Small to mid-size nonprofits interested in participating in the 2026-27 Kahua Grants Cohort can review eligibility requirements and apply here: https://mauiunitedway.org/
The Kahua Grants Cohort provides participants with hands-on grant-writing training, technical assistance, mentorship, peer collaboration and funding support. The program is designed for emerging and grassroots nonprofits serving communities across Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
The inaugural 2025-26 cohort demonstrated measurable results, including a 36% increase in grant funding secured, a 50% increase in grant applications submitted and an 86% increase in grants awarded. Hāna Business Council secured a $119,000 grant, one of its largest awards in recent years, while multiple organizations advanced to congressional earmark consideration.
“The Kahua Cohort gave us the tools, knowledge and support to strengthen our organization and move important projects forward,” said Heidi Lea, executive director of Hāna Business Council. “The training on budgeting, board development and nonprofit management were invaluable, and the guidance we received helped position us to pursue major funding opportunities. As a growing nonprofit, that support has made a lasting impact on our ability to serve Hāna businesses.”
Beyond fundraising results, cohort participants identified peer support and collaboration as among the program’s most valuable benefits, building relationships with other nonprofit leaders that continue beyond the program.
“Building the capacity of our nonprofit community is one of Maui United Way’s highest strategic priorities,” said Maui United Way CEO Jeeyun Lee. “When nonprofits have stronger foundations, they can compete for larger funding opportunities, expand their services and create lasting change for the people they serve.”
The Kahua Grants Cohort is managed by Maui United Way in collaboration with Castle Foundation, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. To date, Maui United Way has provided grant-writing and capacity-building resources to 56 nonprofit organizations. An additional 21 nonprofits received one-year memberships and nonprofit resource toolkits through Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations.
The inaugural cohort that concluded in July 2026 included Boys & Girls Club of Maui, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Grow Some Good, Habitat for Humanity Maui, Hāna Business Council, Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group, Maui Historical Society, Maui Roots Reborn, Our Kūpuna, Pacific Birth Collective, Piha Wellness & Healing and What Makes You Feel Beautiful.
Together, these organizations address critical community needs including wildfire recovery, mental health, workforce development, youth services and family well-being.
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