The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development is seeking proposals for its Agriculture and Food Systems Impact Grants (RFP No. 24AG-01 Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year 2024-2025. These grants aim to support projects that promote measurable, positive impacts in agriculture and food systems within Hawaiʻi Island communities. Eligible projects include initiatives to increase the consumption of local agricultural products, improve agricultural production and resilience, reduce food waste, expand access to locally produced food for low-income residents, and support farm-to-school or garden-based education programs. The grants emphasize sustainability, collaboration, and long-term benefits to the local economy, environment, and community.
A total of $70,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $3,000 to $25,000. Proposals must meet a 1:1 matching funds requirement, which may include cash or in-kind contributions. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and government agencies. Applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience or demonstrate equivalent expertise and project management capabilities.
The proposal submission deadline is February 5, 2025, at 4:30 PM Hawaiʻi-Aleutian Standard Time, and all applications must be submitted through the County's online grant portal. An informational webinar will be held on November 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM, and questions about the RFP must be submitted in writing by January 17, 2025. Responses will be provided via addenda by January 24, 2025. Applicants are expected to present clear project narratives, budgets, and timelines that demonstrate alignment with program objectives.
Proposals will be evaluated in three phases based on criteria such as demonstrated need, project impact, feasibility, organizational qualifications, partnerships, and fiscal accountability. Priority will be given to proposals that clearly show economic, social, and environmental benefits to the community. Selected applicants will be notified by March 14, 2025, with contracts to be executed by June 14, 2025.
Grantees must adhere to reporting requirements, including interim and final reports, and must comply with fiscal and administrative policies outlined in the RFP. For more information, applicants may contact the Department at chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov or consult the grant portal.
