The Community Arts Grants program, administered by the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), is a competitive funding initiative that supports arts, culture, and humanities programs that enhance the lives of Hawaiʻi residents. Previously known as the Biennium Grants Program, this opportunity provides project-based funding to nonprofit organizations working to promote, perpetuate, and preserve Hawaiʻi’s diverse cultural and artistic heritage. It is established under Sections 9-11 through 9-18 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, and its fiscal allocation is contingent on annual appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The grant is open to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations incorporated in the state of Hawaiʻi whose work is centered in arts, culture, or the humanities. To be eligible, applicants must operate under compliant bylaws, demonstrate conflict-of-interest safeguards, and be governed by uncompensated board members without material conflicts of interest. Projects must take place in Hawaiʻi and applicants must have at least one year of project experience. Fiscal sponsorship is not allowed. Compliance with both state and federal registration systems is required, including a valid SAM.gov registration and status within Hawaiʻi Compliance Express.
Grants may be requested in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 and must be matched dollar for dollar with non-state funds. This is a reimbursement grant, meaning funds are disbursed after eligible expenses are incurred and documented. Grant funds may not be used for general operating expenses but must be applied directly toward eligible project costs aligned with the SFCA's funding categories: Heritage and Preservation, Community Arts and Development, Arts and Healing, Arts Education, and Presentation/Performing Arts. Each project must be arts-based and meet the criteria of one of these four program categories.
The grant application process consists of two stages: the Intent to Apply and the full Project Application. Both must be submitted through the Hawaii.GoSmart.org platform. For the FY2027 cycle, the Intent to Apply period is from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, while the Project Application window runs from September 1, 2025, through October 30, 2025. The grant implementation period for awarded projects spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
All project applications undergo peer review by the SFCA grants panel. Submission does not guarantee funding. Awards made in one fiscal year do not ensure continued funding in subsequent years, nor does a lack of award in one cycle preclude funding in the next. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the SFCA’s program guidelines, application instructions, and evaluation rubric prior to submitting materials.
For inquiries, applicants may contact the SFCA Grants Team via email at SFCAgrants@hawaii.gov. Additional program documents and technical assistance resources are available on the SFCA website and the Hawaii GO Smart portal.
Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility requirements, project requirements, evaluation rubric, and tutorials available through Hawaii GO Smart before applying.
