Maui County Office of Economic Development (OED) Grants Program

The Maui County Office of Economic Development (OED) Grants Program is administered by the County of Maui to support initiatives that promote economic growth, sustainability, and community resilience within Maui County. The program provides financial assistance to organizations for projects, programs, and events that generate measurable economic impact aligned with the County’s priorities. These priorities include diversifying the local economy, strengthening communities, and protecting natural and cultural resources. The program is designed to fund a wide range of activities that contribute to economic development outcomes. Eligible projects may include business support initiatives, workforce development programs, cultural and creative economy efforts, tourism-related improvements, and community-based economic resilience projects. The program emphasizes outcomes such as job creation, increased revenue generation, improved economic self-sufficiency, and enhanced community engagement. Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate how their proposed activities align with Maui County’s economic development strategies and produce measurable benefits. Funding is available to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations operating within Maui County. Applicants must be in good standing with state and federal regulatory requirements and must provide documentation verifying compliance, including financial statements, tax forms, and organizational governance records. In some cases, applicants may be required to work with a fiscal sponsor if they do not meet eligibility criteria independently. The program also allows for fiscal sponsorship arrangements under specific conditions, where a qualified nonprofit organization manages the grant on behalf of another entity. The application process is conducted through an online platform, Submittable, where applicants must create an account and submit all required materials. Applications must include detailed narratives outlining the project scope, goals, objectives, performance measures, and anticipated economic impact. Supporting documentation includes budgets, financial statements, proof of compliance, and organizational information. Applicants are also required to provide an itemized budget and narrative justification, demonstrating how funds will be used and how the project will achieve economic sustainability beyond the grant period. Applications for the primary Economic Development Grant cycle opened on April 1, 2026 and must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Additional funding opportunities, such as proviso and line item funding, have later deadlines extending to October 1, 2026. All applications are reviewed by a Grants Evaluation Committee, which assesses proposals based on alignment with program priorities, feasibility, organizational capacity, and anticipated economic impact. Past performance on previous grants may also be considered during evaluation. Grant recipients are required to comply with extensive reporting, monitoring, and financial management requirements. This includes submitting quarterly and final reports, maintaining accurate financial records, and participating in site visits or evaluations conducted by the County. Funds are reimbursed based on eligible expenses, and certain costs, such as gifts or alcohol, are explicitly prohibited. Administrative costs are capped at a defined percentage of the total award, and projects must adhere to procurement and compliance regulations. The program operates on an annual funding cycle aligned with the County’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. While the program is recurring, funding availability and award amounts may vary each year depending on County appropriations and priorities. The program is intended to act as a catalyst for long-term economic sustainability rather than ongoing dependency on County funding, encouraging applicants to develop projects that can continue to generate impact beyond the grant period.

Align project with Maui County economic priorities; clearly demonstrate measurable economic impact including jobs or revenue; ensure all required documentation is complete and compliant