Holomua Marine Initiative Pāpio Grants

The Holomua Marine Initiative Pāpio Grants are offered through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) to support the sustainable management of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore marine resources. Launched in alignment with the Sustainable Hawaiʻi Initiative and the Aloha+ Challenge, this funding opportunity reflects a commitment to collaborative, community-centered marine stewardship. Through the Holomua Marine Initiative, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), via its Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), works with communities, scientists, and cultural experts to advance effective co-management of marine areas. This grant program is supported under HCF’s CHANGE Framework, which seeks to align collective action through data-informed strategies to address Hawaiʻi’s most pressing issues. The Pāpio Grants program is designed to support community and organizational efforts that align with five core areas essential to the Holomua Marine Initiative: Capacity, Coordination, Data and Monitoring, Engagement, and Governance. These focal areas represent a holistic approach to resource stewardship—addressing everything from building local leadership and technical skills, to enhancing collaborative monitoring and traditional knowledge integration, to advancing policies that support sustainable marine practices. Proposals are expected to make strategic contributions to the goal of effectively managed nearshore marine environments, anchored in strong community participation and culturally relevant practices. Eligible projects may include but are not limited to: education and outreach programs, data collection and monitoring, organizational development, planning and evaluation, advocacy and policy work, and community-designed enforcement efforts. Funding may also be directed toward mentorships, workshops, applied community-invited research, and events that build awareness and inclusivity. Notably, projects involving research must be community-invited and directly applicable to marine co-management efforts. Applications must be submitted online through the HCF Grants Portal. Applicants must either be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal sponsor that meets these criteria. Previous HCF grant recipients must have submitted all final reports to be eligible for new funding. Proposals from government entities are accepted only if they demonstrate a collaborative partnership with community organizations. Federal government agencies are ineligible. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. Reporting requirements include interim progress and final project and financial reports. The application process includes a four-tab online form requiring detailed descriptions of the program, problem or opportunity being addressed, program activities, expected results, and a budget submission. Additional supporting documents may include a work plan, proposal narrative, and documentation linking the program to broader strategies or community needs. Fiscal sponsors must submit a board resolution, sponsorship agreement, and IRS determination letter. The 2025 application deadlines are June 27, September 26, and December 19, each at 4:00 p.m. HST. Funding decisions are expected to follow approximately one month after each deadline, with decision dates on July 31, October 31, and January 30 of the following year, respectively. For questions about the funding opportunity, contact Tiare Holm at tholm@hcf-hawaii.org or call 808-566-5573. Neighbor Island applicants may use the toll-free number 1-888-731-3863. Technical support is available via the HCF help desk.

Only complete and timely applications are accepted. Review character limits in the online application portal versus MS Word. Ensure all sections of the organizational profile are up to date and certified before submission.